Judith K. “Judy” Snavely, 84, of Bellville, passed into the presence of her loving Savior, Saturday, May 23, 2026, at the Good Shepherd Home in Ashland.
Born December 16, 1941, in Mansfield, Judy was the daughter of Charles and Wilma (Wagner) Ink. She was a 1959 graduate of Lexington High School. While still in high school, she agreed to a blind date with a young farmer named Donald Snavely. The connection was immediate, and just two weeks after her high school graduation, on June 13, 1959, Judy became Don’s bride. Together they shared 53 years of marriage, raising four beloved children and building a life focused on faith, family, and hard work.
Judy faithfully assisted Don in raising and showing Polled Herefords and Angora goats on the farm. For ten years, she served as a dedicated 4-H advisor, investing in the lives of local youth with patience and encouragement. She also served on the Farm Bureau Board and proudly held the role of president for one term. She also enjoyed her time serving as president of the Sunny South Club.
At home, Judy found joy in the simple but meaningful things in life, especially in gardening and canning. She loved cake decorating and crocheting, especially crafting blankets for her grandchildren. Above all else, Judy treasured time spent with her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren, who were the true pride of her life.
A faithful member of Bellville St. Paul Lutheran Church, Judy lived her faith quietly but sincerely through kindness, service, and devotion to others.
She is survived by her children Brenda (Scott) Gerhart, Karen (Scott) Maglott, Diane (Bob) Carlin, all of Bellville, and Bradley (Martha) Snavely of Mansfield; grandchildren Michael (Beth) Gerhart, David (Emily) Gerhart, Nathan (Johnna) Gerhart, Kimberly Parsons (John Evans), Amy Gerhart, Joel (Chelsea) Carlin, Zac (Dani) Carlin, Crystal Maglott (Milton Brown), Jessica Maglott, Elizabeth Maglott, and Rachel Maglott (Travis Tabor); 17 great-grandchildren; brother Jack Ink, sister Pamela Gerhart; sister-in-law Joyce Ink; along with numerous nieces, nephews, and extended family members.
In addition to her parents, Judy was welcomed into eternity by her beloved husband, Donald Snavely; granddaughter Amanda Gerhart; great-grandson Dakota Moyer; and sister-in-law and brother-in-law Sharon and Don Hazle.
Family and friends are invited to visit from 4 to 6 p.m. Thursday, May 28, 2026, in the Bellville Snyder Funeral Home, and will continue Friday morning from 10 am – 11 am where funeral services will begin at 11 a.m. Pastor Johnathan Stuft will officiate, and burial will follow in Bellville Cemetery.
Memorial contributions may be made to Pathways Hospice or the Jefferson Township Fire Department.
The family would like to extend a special heartfelt thank you, to the caring staff at the Good Shepherd Home and Pathways Hospice for their kind and attentive care.
Snyder Funeral Homes is honored to serve Judy’s family and encourages loved ones to share a memory or message of support.
Funeral Home: Snyder Funeral Homes Bellville Butler Chapel
Website: www.snyderfuneralhomes.com