Shirley Elaine Snyder

Shirley Snyder, 89, was called home on October 23, 2024. After living with kidney disease for several years, she passed peacefully in her sleep in her residence at The Gables of Idaho Falls, Idaho.

The eldest daughter of Donald and Opal (Cattin) Snyder, Shirley Elaine Snyder was born in Peru, Indiana, on March 22, 1935. She grew up in Peru and graduated from Peru High School in 1953.

In 1968, Shirley decided to move to Jackson, Wyoming (a favorite vacation spot for the family), for the summer. She and her sister, Lynn, were going to spend their time working at Ranch Shops and exploring all the things Jackson, and the surrounding area had to offer. What was supposed to be one short summer in Jackson turned into 50 years.

The two sisters loved exploring every road and trail they could find. Fishing was at the top of the list of favorite activities for Shirley. There were many times when she would be casting a line as the last light of the day disappeared behind the mountains. Shirley also loved dancing in downtown Jackson, and square dancing at the Elks Lodge, where she also bowled.

After working at Ranch Shops, Shirley was a bookkeeper for a brief time at a hotel in Teton Village. Then she became a bookkeeper for Jack Dennis Sports. She continued in that position for over 20 years, with her office located at Thompson, Palmer, and Associates.

Shirley was a second mom to Lynn’s children, Claudia, Janel, and Brian. Shirley took the kids out on many adventures of hiking, rockhounding, camping, fishing, and boating.

Over the years, Shirley hosted many family members and friends whenever they came to visit. She also went back to Indiana when she could. She especially enjoyed the trips she was able to take to the Oregon coast with family members.

Shirley loved to sew and made many outfits for herself and her family. Her house and yard were her sanctuary. Situated at the base of Snow King with Flat Creek running through her backyard, she was often visited by deer, moose, geese, otters, and numerous birds at the feeders.

Driving around the area and taking in the beauty of the valley was something Shirley especially enjoyed, either with Lynn and the kids or by herself. She loved going to the national parks, forests, and other areas as often as she could. Music and singing were always part of the ride, but you had better not have made a peep when the elk were bugling! Then you were in trouble!

After a fall and some brief stays in a few assisted living residences, Shirley moved to The Gables of Idaho Falls in 2019, where she enjoyed chatting with other residents and sitting outside in the courtyard.

Although Shirley had many fabulous adventures, she lived a quiet life and had a small circle of friends. She was fiercely independent and fun-loving, and we are so blessed to have such wonderful memories.

Shirley was preceded in death by her parents, Don and Opal Snyder; brothers, Earl and Denny Snyder; brother-in-law, Jack Kearney; niece-in-law, Elaine Garrison; aunts, uncles, and extended family members; friends, and her sweet parakeet Stevie. Her sister Lynn (Snyder) Garrison was reunited with her in heaven on June 14, 2025.

Shirley is survived by Lynn’s children, Brian Garrison, Janel Garrison, and Claudia Aster; sisters, Carol Kearney and Nadine (Ron) Kelley; nieces, Vicki (Joe) Downs and Alyson (John) Shoemaker; nephews, Tom (Jackie) Kearney, Mark (Elsa) Kearney, and David Harrison; cousin, Renee (Dan) Ray; and many cousins.

A Celebration of Life for Shirley and her sister Lynn, will be held on Saturday, October 25, 2025, from 12-3 p.m. at the Museum of Idaho on 200 N. Eastern Avenue in Idaho Falls.

In lieu of flowers, please donate to your local animal shelter or food bank in memory of Shirley and Lynn.