Esther Pauline Snyder, lifelong resident of Ponca City, went to be with her Lord Monday night January 19, 2009. She passed peacefully in her sleep with her family by her side. Esther was born November 28, 1916, in Burbank, Oklahoma to Ollie and Mary Francis Tow Williams. She attended and graduated from Ponca City schools in 1935. Esther and the late Robert (Bob) Henry Snyder were married on August 11, 1937, in Arkansas City, Kansas.

Bob and Esther farmed west of Ponca City for many years. In the mid-1960’s, they moved to a farm south of Ponca City in the Bressie community. As a farmer’s wife, Esther used to get up early in the morning and fix breakfast for the family and farm hands before heading off to her third job as a seamstress. She worked as a seamstress for Two Little Tailors in the 40’s and 50’s, followed by employment with Ballard Cleaners in the 60’s. In the 70’s and 80’s, she worked for Barrick Cleaners at the corner of Third and Central. After retirement in the 80’s, Esther worked part-time for Peter Pan Cleaners.

Esther truly enjoyed spending time with her family and friends. She often took pleasure in fixing large family dinners, especially during the holidays. Grandma Snyder, as she was affectionately known by her family, was acclaimed for her truly wonderful homemade chicken and noodles and mouth-watering cinnamon rolls. When not spending time with her family, Esther enjoyed singing in the Silvertones Choir at First Baptist Church and playing cards at the Senior Citizens Center and the 55 and Older Club where she served as secretary/treasure. Before her husband’s death, Bob and Esther enjoyed several memorable trips to California, Jamaica, and Hawaii. After Bob’s death, Esther enjoyed traveling with her good friends Mildred McMonigle, Faye Hunt, the late Virginia Thompson, and the Prime Timers.

She is survived by her son and wife, David and Barbara Snyder of Ponca City; her grandchildren Bart and Cheryl Snyder, Bret and Nikki Snyder, Chris and Robyn (Snyder) Primeaux, all of Ponca City, John and Lisa McCall of Skiatook, OK; Joe and Shawna McCall of Petal, Mississippi; and Steve and Allison Harper of College Station, Texas. Her great-grandchildren Brandon Snyder, Cheyenne Snyder, Cody and Becca Primeaux,Rachel Harper, Grant Harper, Brandy McCall, Whitney McCall, Tori McCall, Justin McCall and Morgan Bensley; a sister Betty Allen of Enid, Oklahoma, and many, many nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her husband Bob Snyder, her parents Ollie and Mary Francis Williams, infant daughter Roberta June Snyder, daughter Patricia Wyrick, granddaughter Roberta Wyrick Bensley, brother and sister-in-law N.E. and Bobby Williams, brother Clifton “Speck” Williams, and sister Lola Williams.

Funeral services will be held at 2 p.m. Thursday, January 22, 2009 in the Worship Center of the First Baptist Church with Pastor Dr. Michael Seabaugh presiding. Interment will follow in the I.O.O.F. Cemetery under the direction of Grace Memorial Chapel.

Casket bearers will be her grandsons and great-grandson, Bart Snyder, Bret Snyder, John McCall, Joe McCall, Steve Harper and Brandon Snyder. Honorary casketbearers will be Owen Greer, Dale Floyd, her Friendship Sunday School class and the members of the Silvertones Choir at First Baptist Church.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to First Baptist Church for the Falls Creek renovation project, 218 South 6th Street, Ponca City, Oklahoma 74601.

The family will be at the home of her son David Snyder at 6 Southwest Riverside Ave., Bois D’Arc, Ponca City.