Maxine Snyder

Maxine Snyder was a loving wife, mother and grandmother and a respected woman among her neighbors. She took time with people and never had a bad word to say about anyone or anything. Within the closeness of her community, it was possible for Maxine to work and volunteer, find entertainment and spiritual nurture. With her sharp mind and attention to detail, she remembered everything and shared memories that her family will value for years to come.

Maxine was born to Alden and Lillian (Lowe) Hayward February 9, 1924 in Scotts, Michigan during a period of growth in American industry following WWI. Women had won the right to vote, and Harlem, New York was a-buzz with jazz, literature and art. By the end of the decade, stock markets fell and countries around the world experienced long years of economic depression. Farm families such as the Haywards fared somewhat better because they were self-sufficient enough to provide the basics of life.

Farming in Scotts, Maxine’s father later worked at a factory in Battle Creek, and her mother also helped on the farm. Quite naturally, Maxine and her younger sister Eleanor grew up with responsibilities on the farm, and Maxine was driving truck already at age 10. Through several moves and changes in family life, the community of Scotts remained her childhood home.

Maxine traveled a distance of approximately 15 miles to Athens schools, where she played basketball on one of the first girls’ teams to be organized in the area. During high school, she dated upper classman Stewart Snyder, her one and only sweetheart. Their decision to marry was put on hold until after Maxine graduated in 1942. They made their vows on March 13, 1943, settled in Vicksburg, Michigan and welcomed daughter Marilyn into their hearts and lives.

Outside the home, Maxine was employed as a cook for Vicksburg Schools for 18 years. Everything she prepared was good, but her mac and cheese and green salad were famous. Using her farming experience, Maxine worked with youth in 4-H and taught knitting for over 18 years. On weekends, she and Stewart liked to go dancing at the dance halls. There she could kick up her heels, but it was said of Maxine that she went kicking and screaming into the new century because she didn’t really like change. Inevitably she learned to adapt, but Maxine preferred a well-ordered life that focused on the people around her. She attended church, volunteered, entertained family and friends and simply loved visiting with everyone.

In later years, Maxine would travel throughout the United States, but as a family, the Snyders often vacationed in northern Michigan. They started out camping but then shared a lake cabin that they enjoyed year round. It was the perfect setting to spend the 4th of July, and during the summer Maxine could water ski to her heart’s content. Skiing became such a passion for her that, at age 91, she was still wanting to get up on skis one more time.

Maxine Snyder, age 91 of Vicksburg passed away January 16, 2016. Visit with her family and friends on Tuesday, Jan. 19th from 10:00 to 11:00 AM at the Fulton Christian Church; 14108 E W Ave, Fulton, MI 49052. A funeral will follow at 11:00 at the same location. Maxine’s family includes her daughter: Marilyn (Roger) Butcher; two grandchildren: Dale (Brenda) Butcher, Dan (Christine) Butcher; four great grandchildren: Natasha, Brittany, Noah, Sarah; and a great great grandson Kole; brother and sisters-in-law: Iva Snyder, Joyce Francisco, Gordon Mitchell, Peggy (Dick) Portinga, Diane Reece, Vera (Chuck) Walker. She was preceded in death in 1999 by her husband Stewart of 56 years and her sister Eleanor. Please visit Maxine’s memory page at www.lifestorynet.com where you can read her life story, archive a memory or photo and sign her memory book online. Memorial donations can be made to Vicksburg Community School Foundation, Vicksburg Ladies Library Auxiliary, or Generous Hands.