Mary Ruth (Hadley) Snyder



Mary Ruth Snyder


March 25, 1931 - July 7, 2018

Mary Ruth Snyder, 87, of Indianapolis passed away suddenly and peacefully July 7, 2018 while visiting with family in northern Indiana. She is survived by her brother Arthur Hadley (Jane), her children, Betsy Kachmar (Jeff), Olivia Snyder (Bill Harting), Emily Laugesen (Richard), and Jay Snyder. Also, four grandchildren; Mariah Laugesen, Martin Laugesen, Reverie Snyder, and Jackson Snyder. Mary Ruth was preceded in death by her parents Noah and Mary (Place) Hadley, husband Jim Snyder, sister Alice (Hadley) Hawley, brother-in-law Jim Hawley, and daughter-in-law Michal Friedman.

A longtime Indiana resident, Mary Ruth was born in Brookville, grew up in Rockville and in West Lafayette. She graduated from West Lafayette High School, and attained bachelors, masters, and doctoral degrees from Purdue University in the areas of Home Economics and Organizational Communications. She earned her PhD while working full-time as a single mother of four. During her undergraduate years, she became a legacy member of Alpha Xi Delta Sorority, Alpha Eta Chapter. Mary Ruth has served the chapter and participated in the national conventions throughout her whole life.

Always leading by example and doing what needed to be done, Mary Ruth had a rewarding career in Alumni Relations with both Purdue and Rutgers Universities. At Rutgers, she became the very first woman to become a vice president in Alumni Relations, pioneering the way for others. Mary Ruth was dedicated to the advancement of women, and devoted decades of service to Planned Parenthood, her sorority, and various women's leadership organizations. Mary Ruth was an active member of the Presbyterian Church; serving Central (Lafayette), Orchard Park (Fishers), and White Water Valley Presbytery. She especially enjoyed liturgical arts (Banner Bunch), the church choir, and women's a cappella singing group, Sentimental Sounds. In her retirement, she invested years of volunteer service in Indianapolis Public Schools by providing administrative support.

Mary Ruth loved life, family, and friends. She had a sense for occasion; organizing and hosting many special events throughout the years. She was especially known (and loved) for her elaborately decorated birthday cakes, hand-designed Christmas cards, and performing the Chiquita Banana song upon request.

Dearly loved and greatly respected, a service celebrating her life will be held at Orchard Park Presbyterian Church, 1605 E 106th Street, Indianapolis, on August 18, 2018 at 1:00 PM, reception following. Everyone is encouraged to wear something blue to honor Mary Ruth's signature color. Thoughts and memories can be sent to Olivia.Snyder@gmail.com or posted: www.mccombandsons.com In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to her church or Planned Parenthood of Indiana/Kentucky. She will be at rest with her parents and husband in Grand View Cemetery, West Lafayette.


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