Mary Ellen Snider, 87

On May 14, 2014, the world got a little dimmer and heaven a little brighter when Mary Ellen Snider stepped from this temporal life to eternal life and joined many friends and family that have gone on before her.

Mary was born November 14, 1926, in Shawnee,Okla., the first of eight children born to Paul J.B. Ellis and Ruth Ellen Huling Ellis. At the age of two, Mary and her parents moved to Nampa, Idaho, where she grew up and attended school.

She joined the Salvation Army Band and fell in love with the good looking trumpet player, Paul Snider, who would be the love of her life for 67 years and beyond. Paul and Mary were married November 2, 1945, when Paul returned from serving with the United States Air Force in World War II. They lived in southern Idaho until 1951 when they moved to Coeur d’Alene.

Mary enjoyed being a homemaker, mommy to five children, baking, sewing, and working with Mary Carson Catering. She enjoyed participating in activities at church most of all, where she sang, cooked, comforted and made people feel welcomed, loved and happy. More than 150 loved ones, missionaries and friends were the recipients of beautiful afghans she crocheted.

Mary knew no strangers, and had a smile and friendly word for everyone she came into contact with. She shone with the love of Jesus, and will be missed by all who knew and loved her.

A celebration of Mary’s life is being planned for the end of summer. For those who wish to remember Mary, donations to the KROC Center or Hospice of North Idaho would be greatly appreciated. English Funeral Chapel is in charge of arrangements. Please visit Mary’s online memorial at www.englishfuneralchapel.com.