Obituary: Sylvia Snook

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In memory of

Sylvia Snook

of Midland, South Dakota, died on Friday, March 25, 2011 at St. Mary's Hospital in Pierre at the age of 100

Sylvia C. Peters was born June 2, 1910, in a log cabin on her parents’ homestead six miles northwest of Midland. She grew up and received her education at Eureka rural school north of Midland, graduating in 1928. She then went on to Spearfish Normal receiving a Teachers Certificate in 1932. She taught in Newell for ten years.

Sylvia was united in marriage to Clair Walker Snook on November 29, 1941 on her parents’ homestead northwest of Midland. After her marriage, she remained at the ranch where she stayed and raised a family.

After her children were grown, she attended summer school and various courses and earned her B.S. degree in Education from Black Hills State College in 1970. She taught a few years in Midland and rural schools in Haakon County.

In 1983 she, along with her husband and brother, went to Germany to visit her father’s birthplace and other ancestors and relatives. Her husband Clair Snook preceded her in death on October 10, 1997. Sylvia remained on the ranch, and in 2002 Sylvia received her century farm certificate for the 100th year of her family’s
farm.

Sylvia was a member of the Trinity Lutheran Church of Midland, the Ruth Circle, General Federated Women’s Club-New Century Club, the Order of Eastern Star, the See and Do Hobby Club, all of Midland. She was also a member of the Old Stanley County Historical Society and the Pioneers of Western South Dakota. In 2002 she was honored as a Friend of 4-H for being a longtime 4-H leader.

Sylvia had a green thumb and spent hours in her vegetable garden, flower beds and yard. She was very independent her entire life. She made many quilts, and crocheted afghans and doilies throughout the years, which she gave to family and friends. Her family and friends always referred to her as a walking encyclopedia. Sylvia was honored in 2010 at the Newell 100th Anniversary Celebration.

Grateful for having shared her life include her son Leland Snook and his wife Carol of Alton, Illinois; a daughter Gene Hudson and her husband Dick of Midland; seven grand-children Connie (Jon) Johnson, Debbie (Cory) Burma, Lisa Hudson, Gary (Deb) Snook, Lori (Tracy) Konst, Shelly (Brad) Gentelin, and Susan (Craig) Rathgeb; fourteen great-grandchildren Wyatt, Avery, and Noah Johnson, Chris, Courtney and Cameron Burma, Gavin and Garrett Snook, Brooke and Brett Konst, Sam and Anna Gentelin, and Evan and Grace Rathgeb; a daughter in-law Pat Snook of Midland; and a host of other relatives and friends.

In addition to her husband, Sylvia was preceded in death by her son Carl Levi Snook on June 11, 2005; a daughter Merry Clair Snook in infancy; her parents; and a brother Nelson Peters.

Visitation was held 5-7 p.m. on Thursday, March 31, at the Rush Funeral Home in Philip, and one hour preceding the services at the church on Friday.

Funeral services were held 10:00 a.m. Friday, April 1, at the Trinity Lutheran Church in Midland, with Pastor Frezil Westerlund officiating.

Interment was at the Midland Cemetery.

A memorial is established to the Trinity Lutheran Church of Midland.

FUNERAL SERVICES
Friday, April 1, 2011 - 10:00 a.m.
Trinity Lutheran Church
Midland, South Dakota
CLERGY
Pastor Frezil Westerlund
MUSIC
Scotti Block - Pianist
Barbara Jones - Vocalist
“On Eagles Wings”
“Amazing Grace”
“How Great Thou Art”
USHERS
Jerry Jones - Ronnie Sammons
Keith Harry - Dick Nemec - Jerry Engelhaupt
PALLBEARERS
Connie Johnson - Debbie Burma
Lisa Hudson - Gary Snook
Lori Konst - Shelly Gentelin
Susan Rathgeb
HONORARY PALLBEARERS
All Relatives and Friends in Attendance
INTERMENT
Midland Cemetery
Midland, South Dakota

Open the Memorial Folder

Visitation: 5-7 p.m. on Thursday, March 31, at the Rush Funeral Home in Philip
Funeral services: 10:00 a.m. Friday, April 1, at the Trinity Lutheran Church in Midland.
Interment: Midland Cemetery.

Sign the guestbook

What a special lady! Our prayers are with your family.
~ Dan & Gayla Piroutek Milesville SD (3/25/2011)
Thinking & Praying for your family at this difficult time. I know their are alot of good memories with Sylvia that will help you all through this. ~ Melony(Konst) Gyles Murdo (3/25/2011)
What a great legend to pass on!! Sympathy on your loss!! ~ Tom and Shelia Trask Wasta, SD (3/25/2011)
Our thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time. May your memories be of comfort to you in the days ahead. ~ Lawrence & Ronda Schofield Midland, SD (3/25/2011)
The history of Sylvia's life was more than the events that came her way, but it was what she experienced within them. She showed us all extreme courage and endurance. Her family is richly blessed with great memories. Our thoughts and prayers are with you. ~ Marsha and Bill Sumpter Kadoka (3/25/2011)
Thinking of all of you in the loss of Sylvia. What a wonderful woman and we pray that your memories will bring you much comfort. ~ Hal, Tammy, Ryan & Todd Jewett Pierre, SD (3/25/2011)
What a grand lady!! I remember her being so welcoming to me when I first moved into the area and was always so friendly and concerned all the years I knew her. Larry and his family thought so much of her and the family the years they were neighbors. God bless all of you and may His peace wrap around you as you walk this journey now and the days ahead! Our deppest sympathy. Larry and Vicki ~ Vicki Neiderworder Philip SD (3/25/2011)
Sylvia Snook Families,
We were saddened by the news of Sylvias passing! She was an amazing lady and will be missed by so many, because she was a great inspiration to all that knew her. I always enjoyed visiting with Sylvia! She always made me feel better after visiting with her. She had that way! Our prayers go out to all of you and know she is resting peacefully now in Gods hands! Take comfort is all the good memories you have and I know there are many! God Bless! Gary & Jody ~ Gary & Jody Block Midland, SD (3/25/2011)
What a great lady Sylvia was. Know that you are all in my thoughts and prayers. God bless you with many memories. ~ Kathy Larson LaDue Anamosa, IA (3/25/2011)
My thoughts and prayers are with you as you perpare to celebrate her long and well lived life. Sometimes we just think they're always going to be there when they live such a long healthy life and so we are caught by surprise when they are called home. ~ Mary Kay Sandal 19375 Morgan Rd Howes, SD (3/25/2011)
What a remarkable woman Sylvia was! We will all miss talking with her and hearing the wonderful stories and words of wisdom she had to offer. I always marveled at her memory and her abilities to share her experiences. God has called her home and I am sure she is happy in her new home with Jesus and loved family and friends she missed. God bless you all as you say goodbye and remember her. ~ Barbara and Morris Jones Midland, SD (3/25/2011)
Our thoughts and prayers are with your family. What a legacy Sylvia left for all to remember. Cherish all those great memories. God Bless !!! ~ Tucker and Bev Hudson Howes, SD (3/25/2011)
What an amazing woman Sylvia was. She lived life to it's fullest. She will be missed by many people who's lives she touched. Our thoughts and prayers go out to you. ~ Jeff & Jen Jones and family Midland, sd (3/25/2011)
Prayers for God's comfort and the joy that memories can bring. While I never met her, I have heard amazing things and her family shows how wonderful she was. ~ Tanya McIlravy Philip (3/25/2011)
To all of Sylvia's Family~
Our sympathies at the loss of your mother/grandmother. We will keep you in our thoughts and prayers in the coming days and weeks. ~ Jason and Vonda Hamill Milesville (3/25/2011)
Our sympathy in the loss of your mother. You are so fortunate to have had her these many years as you built up your bank of memories. Our prayers are with you as you go through the celebration of her life.
~ Lowell and Jo Ann 200 W 1st St, Hartford (3/25/2011)
Dick and Gene-our sympathy to you and all of your family. If your Mother was anything like you Gene, she was a great lady!!! ~ Ed &Linda Eisenbraun Rapid city,SD (3/25/2011)
Our sympathy and prayers go out to all of Syvia's family. May the Lord wrap you in his loving arms and give your peace and strength. ~ Nancy Haigh Philip (3/25/2011)
Memories are so great...I remember Sylvia helping a lot of us in our 4-H projects and just her zest for life and living it fully...God Bless all of you! Mary ~ Mary Neiderworder Miller New Underwood SD (3/25/2011)
I taught with Sylvia "many" years ago at the Ottumwa School. She was a great lady, and I learned so much from her. My sympathy and blessings to her family. ~ Glenda Morrison Bilbrey Sidney, MT (3/25/2011)
Our deepest sympathy to you, Gene and your family, Pat, and your family. I remember all the extension classes from Black Hills State that we took in Philip with your mom. She was a pleasant lady to know and her knowledge was overwhelming. Our prayers are with you all and hold the memories dear to your heart. ~ Gene & Alma Crosbie New Underwood (3/25/2011)
May you find comfort in knowing that your loved one is in God's care. Sylvia was a great & kind lady.I will always remember the talks we had on the phone.Judy ~ Judy Holt 7766 Bramhall Street,Brentwood cal 94513 (3/25/2011)
My sympathy to all of you. What a wonderful lady she was and the wonderful memories she has left us with. I hope that they bring you much comfort. My thoughts and prayers are with all of your family. Marcia ~ Marcia Jackson Hot Springs (3/25/2011)
We are deeply saddened to hear of Sylvia's passing. I will truly miss talking with her. She was such a wonderful woman. So smart and so wise. Our deepest condolences. Joe, Julie and Sami ~ Julie Schwalm Midland (3/25/2011)
Gary, Deb and boys, sorry to hear of your loss. ~ Jacque Eldridge Fort Pierre (3/25/2011)
Whenever I saw Sylvia over the years, whether up close and conversing or from a distance, the word "regal" always seemed to come to mind. She was a beautiful lady and carried herself with such grace and dignity. Even more importantly, her heart was as beautiful as she was. The last time I saw her was at Loleta Jacobson's 100th birthday party and she was walking without a walker (at 100 herself!) and just as on top of her game and gracious as always. She has set the bar for all of us in how to age gracefully. God bless you all and the legacy she passed on. ~ Jeanie (Martin) Waara P.O. Box 369 Philip, SD 57567 (3/25/2011)
Dear Jean & Dick, So sorry and you have all our prayers, sympathy & thoughts at this time. We all know how hard it is to loose a loved one.
Love to you and all your family,
Marie & Ken Spinsby ~ Ken & Marie Spinsby Le Claire, IA (3/25/2011)
Snook Family: I'm so sorry for your loss, but what can you say of 100 years of positive living?! All those who came in contact w/ her have been touched in a positive way, I'm sure! The last time I saw Mrs. Snook was at the Midland School Reunion June 2010. She was amazing and looked SO YOUNG! She was a substitute when I was in high school in the late 60's and also a teacher, and I surely did enjoy her (history & geometry). She always was so positive and fun. I know the service will be a celebration and not entirely sad; wish I could be there. God Bless. Beryl (Addison) Geer ~ Beryl (Addison) Geer PO Box 2018, Gillette, WY 82717 (3/25/2011)
To the Snook Family....I am sorry to hear of Sylvia's passing and I extend my deepest sympathies to you. I remember Sylvia fondly as a friend and teacher. I admired her...she was always so refined and poised and a great model for the youth of my era. ...John 14:6 ~ Pat Haddock Omaha, NE (3/25/2011)
To all of "Gran's" family
Sorry to hear about Gran's passing. She lived a long and rewarding life. Always enjoyed visiting with her ever since I can remember and was always amazed when I would drive by the ranch and see her jogging to the mailbox. Sorry that we won't be able to attend the services but I just started back to work and can't get the time off for Thursday night to make it down there in time on Friday. You will all be in our thoughts and prayers.

EJ, Karin, Alaina and Grady Engelhaupt ~ E J Engelhaupt Gillette WY (3/25/2011)
To Sylvia's family. Our earlist memory of 4-H involved Sylvia. Always helpful, always good advice, always a greeting whether one was 8 or 80. A valued friend and sister in Eastern Star. A great wife, mom, grandmother and citizen. We'll miss her. God bless and keep you all. ~ Lyndy & Kenny Ireland Philip (3/25/2011)