Shirley Florence Snyder

Shirley Florence Snyder, 90, passed away peacefully on July 5, 2026. Born on December 21, 1935, Shirley lived a life defined by faith, creativity, generosity, and an unwavering devotion to her family. She leaves behind a legacy of love that will continue through the generations she cherished so deeply.

Shirley was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Ernest Warren Snyder; the father of her children, Charles Hicks, and her former spouse, John Parsley; her son, Ronnie Edward Hicks; her parents, Paul Wesley Boner and Alfreda Florence (Gladden) Boner; her sisters, Barbara and Delores; and her beloved great-granddaughter, Lucy Jayne Yeates.

She is lovingly survived by her daughters, Carolyn Switzer, Linda Seals, and Pamela Cedar.

A graduate of Park Hill High School, Shirley began her career at Hallmark Cards, where her artistic talent earned her an offer to become a card artist. She chose instead to devote herself to raising her four children—a decision that reflected the selfless love that defined her life. After her children were older, she returned to the workforce and spent more than 20 years serving at Legal Aid of Western Missouri before retiring in 1994.

Shirley was a woman of many talents and generous spirit. She taught Sunday school for a time and shared her love of sewing by teaching others. Her hands were rarely still. She quilted, crocheted, knitted, gardened, painted, and played the piano. Every one of her children and grandchildren received a handmade quilt stitched with love, creating treasured heirlooms that will keep her memory close for generations.

She was a devoted member of the Order of the Eastern Star and lived her life guided by kindness, service, and compassion. Christmas was one of her favorite times of the year. For an entire week, her kitchen became the heart of the family as she baked countless holiday treats. Her famous Million Dollar Fudge became a cherished tradition that everyone eagerly anticipated.

Shirley was a proud and loving grandmother to Hannah Seals, Rhiannon Hicks (Fowler), Ryius Hicks, Jessey Jayne Hicks (Bird), Mandy Hicks (Yeates), Conrad Cedar, Caleb Cedar, Shanna Smith (Reaves), and Cole Hughes.

She was also blessed with great-grandchildren, Ronnie Marie, Azriel, Jayden, Elijah, Daniel, Devon, Viktor, Hailee, Alyx, Aubrey, and Josie, and a great-great-grandmother to Nora and Benjamin.

More than anything else, Shirley treasured her family. She taught through her example that love is shown through patience, generosity, and time spent together. Whether she was sewing a quilt, tending her garden, tending to a child, or baking something special, she poured her heart into everything she did. Her gentle strength, warm smile, and unconditional love will forever remain in the hearts of those who knew her.

Though her family grieves her passing, they find comfort in knowing she has been reunited with those who went before her. Her beautiful life, enduring faith, and the love she gave so freely will continue to inspire all who were blessed to know her.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial donations be made to Shirkey Hospice & Palliative Care in Richmond, Missouri, in honor of Shirley’s life and compassionate spirit.