Shelby Jane “Janie” Snitker, age 79, entered eternal rest Friday, May 14, 2021, at Mercy Hospital in St. Louis. A devoted wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister, and friend, she was surrounded by loved ones as she took her last breath — a true testament to the devotion that was reciprocated by all lucky enough to be loved by her.
Janie was born in her family home in Belle, Feb. 12, 1942, to Keep and Blanche (Belle) Mahaney. She was the fourth of six siblings, who lovingly referred to her as “Calamity Jane” as a child due to her penchant for mischief. She remained at her family home in the country until she was united in marriage to Gale Marcial Snitker, June 11, 1960. Together, they had two children: Roland Dean Snitker and Jeffrey Lynn Snitker.
One to never waiver from her routine, Janie was an avid lunch-goer with the girlfriends she made during her working careers at International Shoe Company, Ottenheimer and MARSH. Upon retirement from MARSH, she pursued what she did best — caring for and supporting her loved ones.
Janie was a steadfast attendee of the Church of Christ, rarely missing a Sunday, Wednesday or Ladies Day. Her unwavering faith was an integral part of her life and her character, which is evident by the family she raised.
Known for her iconic white hair, memorable laugh, and beautiful smile, it wasn’t hard to spot her in a crowd. Janie’s pride was in her family, and she never missed a chance to spend quality time with her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. She was stern, but soft; strong, but selfless; industrious, but gentle, and she had a sweet tooth unlike any other, which was conveniently passed down to every member of her family.
Janie was preceded in death by her husband of 58 years, Gale; parents, Keep and Blanche; sister, Ethel Runge; sisters-in-law, Janet Larson, Kathy Vaupel and Sharon Snitker; and brothers-in-law, Gorman Snitker, Fred Barnhouse, Roger Waters, Clark Larson, Steve Eldridge and Chuck Vaupel.
Janie is survived by her two sons, Roland and his wife Dione, and Jeffrey and his wife Marsha; four grandchildren, Shannon Snitker and wife Tori, Shawn Snitker and wife Hannah, Brock Snitker and wife Christina and Hannah (Snitker) McKinney and husband Ty; 11 great-grandchildren, Catelyne, Cade, Jillian, Berkley, Preston, Alyssa, Brandt, Corbin, Rhett, Asa and Sutton; brothers and sisters, Ab Mahaney and wife Bonnie, Rick Mahaney and wife Alanna, Linda Ridenhour and husband Marion, Sandy VanHeukelem and husband Norm and Elwood Runge; along with many brother-in-laws, sister-in-laws, nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.
Family, friends and others whose lives Janie touched are invited to the visitation at Liberty Church of Christ, Friday, May 21, from 5-8 p.m. Funeral services will be at Liberty Church of Christ, Saturday, May 22, at 11 a.m. Expressions of sympathy may be made to Whetstone Boys Ranch, Mountain View.
Arrangements entrusted to Sassmann’s Chapel, Belle.
