Make a joyful noise unto the Lord, all ye lands. Serve the Lord with gladness: come before his presence with singing (Psalm 100:1-2) For Gifta Snyder, music was never simply music. It was her worship. Her music became one of the most beautiful expressions of her faith—a lifelong song of praise to her Lord. A loving wife, mother and grandmother, Gifta passed into the presence of her Lord and Savior Tuesday evening, August 25, 2026. She was 98.
The daughter of Melvin and Ruth Bowers, Gifta was born on February 14, 1928 in Bellville. Spending her childhood on “Bowers Hill” on Bellville North Road, she was raised with strong Christian values. Her faith took root in the Trinity E.U.B. Church on Kochheiser Road, the church where she was raised.
While a student and majorette at Bellville High School, Gifta began dating Pete Snyder, a fellow classmate who just so happened to play on the Bellville Bluejay varsity football and basketball teams. Upon their high school graduation in June of 1946, the two were married in a private church ceremony at Trinity E.U.B. Church on August 3, 1946. Together they lived in Bellville raising 4 children and were active and involved in the community, church and Clear Fork School athletics. A loving wife, mother and grandmother, she embraced her role as a homemaker with devotion, building a home where her family knew they were loved. She never missed an opportunity to cheer for her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren, especially when they were involved in Clear Fork sports.
At age 10 Gifta took her first piano lessons and by 12 years old she began her ministry in music, playing the piano for Sunday worship. Her playing style was as unique as her personality—spirited and full of life. For decades, Gifta’s piano was a familiar sound in the Bellville community. She played for Sunday morning worship services, school programs and choirs, and countless special occasions. For nearly 20 years she played for the Bellville Lions Club Minstrel Shows. She particularly treasured her more than 20 years accompanying the Lamplighters barbershop quartet. Gifta also had a love of horses and from 1997-2001, she volunteered at the Raemelton Therapeutic Equestrian Riding Center.
Her Christian faith was evident not only in the church pew or at the piano, but in the way she lived. She was positive, uplifting and energetic, and believed in serving God with gladness. She had a way of making life feel a little brighter and her energy could fill a room, no matter her age. Gifta was a former member at New Life Church of Christ (formerly Bellville Church of Christ) and was recently a faithful member of Palmyra Church of Christ.
Gifta also had a wonderful sense of adventure and a deep appreciation for the world God had created. She traveled to England, Paris, Nova Scotia, Western Canada, Alaska and Hawaii. She also journeyed to Panama and Haiti on mission trips, combining her love of travel with her desire to serve.
Perhaps that is the legacy she leaves behind—not simply the songs she played, but the way she lived them.
She is survived by her children Bruce and Lani Snyder of Bellville, Christopher Snyder of Bradenton, Florida, Michael Snyder of Bradenton, Florida, and Lisa and Jim Boyd of Bellville; grandchildren Eric (Caitlin) Snyder, Sean (Amanda) Snyder, Scott (Amanda) Snyder, Angie Snyder Waite, Josh Snyder, James (Amanda) Boyd, Preston (Amberly) Boyd, and Austin (Shelbi) Boyd; 13 great grandchildren Adelyn, Amelia, Annabelle, TJ (Mandi), Allyson, Dylan, Chase, Emery, Beckham, Rowen, Nora, Brooks and Kollyns; sister Doris (Dave) Van Valkenburg of Denver, Colorado; In-laws Paul Snyder of Bellville, Janet Hope of Bellville, Jim (Pat) Snyder of Bellville, Thomas Arthur Snyder of Mansfield, and Helen Snyder of Mt. Vernon; as well as numerous nieces, nephews and extended family.
Along with her parents she was preceded in death by her loving husband Ora O. “Pete” Snyder; sisters Lazell Courtney, Lucina Baldwin, and Ida Mae Benson; as well as her daughter-in-law Penny Snyder and granddaughter Lee Snyder.
The family would like to share a special thank you to her granddaughter Angie and the staff at Wedgewood Estates for their love and attention given while caring for Gifta.
Visitation will be held Sunday, August 30, 2026 from 2 -6 pm in the Bellville Snyder Funeral Home. Gifta’s funeral service will begin at 11 am on Monday, August 31, 2026 at Palmyra Church of Christ 21184 Zolman Road, Fredericktown, Ohio. Evangelist Troy Northrop will officiate and burial will follow in Bellville Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made to the Bellville/Jefferson Township Rescue Squad or ACRE (a mission in Kenya, Africa).
Funeral Home: Snyder Funeral Home Bellville-Butler Chapel
Website: www.snyderfuneralhomes.com