Silver Jean (Russell) Snell, beloved wife, mother, grandmother, great‑grandmother, sister, aunt, and the cherished matriarch of our family, passed away peacefully Sunday, September 27, 2026.
Born on September 14, 1940, in Cardington, Ohio, Silver was the oldest child of the late Kensel “Zeb” and Vinnie (Benedict) Russell. She graduated from Cardington High School in 1958. On August 15, 1959, she married the love of her life, Darrell “Chubb” Snell. Their story began at a dance in Johnsville, Ohio and grew into 64 years of unwavering love and partnership. Together, she and Darrell built their life on 80 acres of land, filling it with family, hard work, laughter, and love. She made their home a place of comfort and joy.
Silver worked at Foote Foundry, O’Neils, and Bank One, but her most treasured and important role was caring for her home and family. She poured her heart into her children and grandchildren, never missing a horse show, pig show, sporting event, or school function. Silver always arrived prepared—with blankets, umbrellas, snacks, and every necessity tucked in her purse. Silver had a gift for caregiving and just showing up for others. She was where everyone went when they weren’t feeling well, and her grandchildren especially knew that Grandma could make anything better.
Her presence brought comfort, stability, and a feeling of being deeply cared for.
She found joy in flowers and shared that love as a member of the Nature Lovers Garden Club. Her home and life were often accented with the blooms she adored, each one a reflection of her nurturing spirit. Silver’s talent blossomed in her arrangements as well—she earned several blue ribbons for her beautiful floral creations, a testament to her creativity and the care she put into everything she touched.
Silver and Darrell loved to travel, especially enjoying cruises where they made cherished memories together.
Silver was blessed with three children: Kelly (Tamara) Snell of Fredericktown, Tami (Bret) Cox of Fredericktown, and Holly (Matt) Endicott of Bellville. She cherished her grandchildren—Cassi (Ross) Niekamp, Courtney (Casey) Brown, Nicholas (Hayley) Testa, Ethan (Kali) Endicott, Chase Endicott, and Wyatt Snell—and her step‑grandchildren Josh (Mackenzie) Cox and Caleb (Brenna) Cox. She delighted in her 12 great‑grandchildren, each one loved beyond measure and was a special aunt to many nieces and nephews.
Silver is survived by her sister, Penny Gale, and siblings‑in‑law: Barbara Logan, Sam and Carleen Snell, Frank Snell, Rod and Cheryl Furniss, and Janenne Burgett.
She was preceded in death by her husband Darrell, brother Malcolm Russell, and siblings‑in‑law Wilma Russell, Dale, Chuck, Gene, and Dee Snell, Larry Gale, Sevilla Ault, and Sandra Hunt.
Silver had a rare gift for making everyone feel special, seen, and loved. She was our steady anchor, our comfort, and the heart of our family. Her legacy—of preparedness, generosity, devotion, and love—will continue in each of us.
We will miss her deeply. We will love her forever. And we will honor her by continuing to “show up” for one another, just as she always did.
Visitation will be Thursday, October 1, 2026 from 12 pm – 2 pm in the Bellville Snyder Funeral Home where her funeral will begin at 2 pm. Pastor Rusty Snell will officiate and burial will follow in North Fork Cemetery near Waterford, Ohio.
In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made to Nature Lovers Garden Club.
Funeral Home: Snyder Funeral Homes Bellville-Butler Chapel
Website: www.snyderfuneralhomes.com