Caroline Gertrude Snyder

FEBRUARY 03, 1943 - FEBRUARY 03, 2025

Caroline Gertrude Snyder was a beacon of light and love, a woman whose life was characterized by her courage, bravery, generosity, and an unwavering love for her family and friends. Born on February 3, 1943, in Kansas City, Kansas, Caroline's journey began as a spark that would grow into a steadfast flame, illuminating the lives of all who knew her.

The daughter of the late Stephen and Lois Crockett, Caroline was nurtured in the warmth of a loving family. She went on to create her own legacy of love with her late husband, Paul Snyder, by her side. Caroline weathered the loss of their beloved son, Carl Snyder, and like the sturdy branches of a tree, their family roots remained strong, providing shelter and strength to their daughter, Brandie Snyder, of Topeka, Kansas. A brother still here with us, Steven Crockett, remains in Topeka, Kansas, but still, after the passing of her brother Donald and sister Bobbie Crockett, sister Mary German, and sister Liz Crockett, Caroline's bond with her immediate family remained unbroken, growing—a testament to the enduring power of family.

Education was a chapter in Caroline's life that began in the one-room schoolhouse of Richland, Kansas, and culminated in her graduation from Berryton, Kansas. This foundation of knowledge and wisdom carried her through a varied career that included being a spirited skating carhop out of high school, a state employee, an employee of Ed Marlings, and culminating in a dedicated 17-year tenure at the V.A. Hospital in Patient Funds.

Caroline's work ethic was paralleled only by her zest for life and love for her family. With the love of her life, Paul, working as a lineman, they turned their travels into a tapestry of memories, exploring the United States in their RV, making each state park and picturesque lake a page in their storybook of life.

A woman of diverse passions, Caroline was an ardent admirer of the King of Rock 'n' Roll, Elvis Presley. Her collection of Elvis memorabilia was not just a hobby but a chronicle of joy and inspiration. Fishing rod in hand, she found tranquility at the water's edge, the same serenity she found in the rhythmic steps of country dancing, and the shared happiness of a meal lovingly prepared for those she held dear.

Caroline's legacy is enshrined in the hearts of her grandchildren, Joshua, Aubriyanna, Shiloh, April, Stephanie, and the late Heather, who were her pride and joy. This legacy further bloomed in the lives of her great-grandchildren, Sydney, Sage, Breitlee, Goldyn, Miranda, Autumn, Colby, and Paige, and a multitude of nieces and nephews, each a petal in the vast garden of her life—every moment with her a cherished memory, every lesson a seed of wisdom.

In her final days, Caroline faced the greatest challenge of her life with the same resilience and grace that had defined her existence. Though cancer was her last battle, it was her long life, marked by many such fights against chronic illnesses, that showcased her indomitable spirit. Caroline passed away at home with her daughter Brandie by her side, in Topeka, Kansas, on February 3, 2025, at 12:44 a.m., the very same day she came into this world, having left an indelible mark of courage and love.

It is said that "Life is not measured by the number of breaths we take, but by the moments that take our breath away." Maya Angelou's words perfectly encapsulate the essence of Caroline's journey. Her life was a mosaic of breathtaking moments, a testament to a life well-lived and a love well-given.

So, let us carry forward the torch of Caroline Gertrude Snyder's legacy, not with sorrow but with the joy and courage she embodied. Her story is one of triumph over adversity, a reminder that the dance of life, though sometimes bittersweet, is always to be cherished. As we remember her, let us dance a little longer, love a little harder, and face each day with the same bravery that Caroline showed in every step she took.