Anna Lee Snyder (née Ogden) passed away on July 2, 2025, at the age of 87, closing the chapter on a life marked by curiosity, resilience, and deep love for her family.
Born on August 7, 1937, in Arkansas, Anna—known lovingly as Annie or Ann—was one of many children raised in a hardworking sharecropping family. Her early years were spent picking cotton on the family farm, and loving and excelling in school, especially math, which sparked her dream of becoming an architect. After graduating as valedictorian of her high school class in 1954, she was awarded a full scholarship to pursue a career in teaching. True to her selfless nature, Ann turned down that opportunity to move to St. Louis, Missouri, where she found work and sent money home to support her family.
It was in St. Louis that she met the love of her life, Charles “Charlie” Snyder. They married in February 1965 and started their family later that year with the birth of their daughter, Linda, followed by their son, Ken, in 1968. Ann dedicated her early adult years to raising her children and running a loving home. When both kids were in school, she returned to work as an accountant at County Electric. And once her children were grown, Ann returned to her own education, earning a bachelor’s degree in Psychology from the University of Missouri–St. Louis.
Ann was a force—fiercely intelligent, delightfully opinionated, and endlessly curious. She often joked that she was the funniest person she knew, and her wit, honesty, and sharp mind left a lasting impression on everyone she met. Small talk never interested her; she preferred deep conversations on philosophy, politics, art, and science. Whether playing bridge, tending her garden, watching birds, extolling the virtues of aspirin, or debating ideas over half-n-half with a little coffee, Ann approached everything with passion and a desire to learn.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Charles Gustav Snyder, and is survived by her beloved children, Linda Snyder, and Kenneth Snyder with his wife, Donna. She also leaves behind her granddaughter, Nicole with her husband, Charlie. Her faithful companions—her dogs Bo and Charlie, her chicken Hot Wings (affectionately called “Hottie”), and her grand-dog Rosie—will miss her dearly.
In honor of her love and reverence for nature and lifelong curiosity, the family kindly requests that donations be made to the Missouri Botanical Gardens or the Missouri Wildlife Rescue in lieu of flowers.
SERVICES: Visitation at KUTIS AFFTON CHAPEL (10151 Gravois Rd., 63123) on Monday, July 14th, 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM, with the funeral service beginning at 12:00 PM. Interment at Jefferson Barracks National Cemetery.