HOMER – Pauline Ruth Snow, 86, passed away unexpectedly on Saturday, March 20, 2021. She was born on March 25, 1934, at home in Homer, and was the daughter of the late Lorin and Grace (Lifer) Swendal of Danville. They lived on a farm where the hard-working family had a huge garden, milked cows and raised turkeys.
Pauline was a 1952 graduate of Amity High School and was a cheerleader for four years. She spent her lifetime in Mount Vernon and would proudly say to anyone, "I've lived in the same house for over 60 years," and where it was located. She was a member of the Zion Lutheran Church in Jelloway; where she grew up, was married and attended regularly.
Pauline was a member of the Mount Vernon Athletic Boosters, the Band Boosters, and was proud to help getting the concession stand ready at the football stadium. She was a sports mom and grandma to many of her children's and grandchildren's friends, and she would feed and host the teams at her home after practices. She and her husband Sam also hosted many family get-togethers of the Marathon Oil softball team. She was well known for her green Jello salad that she took to every reunion or party.
Pauline is survived by her children, Doug and Desi Snow, Gary and Tina Snow, Diana and Bob Tocheff, Brenda and Brian Stafford, and Lori and Andy McBride; her grandchildren, Taylor and Kelsey Snow, Michael McNeil and Anji Villa, Corey and Jessie Stafford, Cody and Tara Stafford, Cyndi Snow and Cory Harlow, Sam and Kimlin Daubenspeck, and Lindsay McBride; and her great-grandchildren, Landon, Amelia, Brantley, Brayden and Brody. Pauline's family also included step-grandchildren, Kyle and Becky Tocheff, Clay and Katie Tocheff, and Kim and Adam Dillon. She also had eight step-grandchildren. Her family was her total pride and joy. One of Pauline's favorite and often-spoken sayings was, "I may not be rich, but I'm rich with family and friends!"
She is also survived by her siblings, Isabelle Conkle, Rosalie Doup, and Elaine and Gordon Clutter; and also her extended family, Audrey Snow, Elaine Hiller, Nora Mae Wilson, and Rosie and Harold Snively.
Pauline was preceded in death by her husband of 54 years, Samuel L. Snow; her parents; her brother, Kenneth Swendal; and many sisters-in-law and brothers-in-law.
Pauline truly enjoyed her 30-plus years that she worked at the YMCA as a masseuse. She was grandfathered in, took pride in her work and became friends with many that she gave massages to. Her specialty was just talking, and her very strong hands.
Some of Pauline's favorite things were being with her family, playing cards with friends, working out in her yard and driveway in any weather and even very early in the morning, and exercising at home even into her final days. When she drove, she loved just going around visiting people and was always asking, "What can I help you with?"
Pauline loved going to Marco Island, walking around the edge of the pool, walking the beach for miles, picking up sea shells, and talking to everyone and sharing her story. She also enjoyed tearing 50/50 raffle tickets at the Mount Vernon football and basketball games and just going for rides.
Her great strengths were being such a hard worker and being strong-willed, stubborn, determined and physically strong, which served her well with overcoming broken bones.
"When I hurt, I feel much better when I can find something to do!" she would say.
When out and about around people, she always had a smile, never met a stranger and would often say, "Thanks for bringing out the sunshine"; or, "Could you do me a favor and bring the sunshine out?"
As you'd hear Pauline say many times, "My Dad would never say good-bye; but he'd say, 'I'll see you later!'" We truly felt that this was not just a catchy phrase but a testament to their strong faith.
The family will receive family and friends to celebrate her life at the Dowds Snyder Funeral Home, 201 Newark Road in Mount Vernon, from 4–7 p.m. on Friday, March 26. The funeral will be held at Zion Lutheran Church at 3 p.m. on Sunday, March 28, with Pastor Howard Clevenger officiating.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in Pauline's name to Zion Lutheran Church, 20177 Wooster Road, Danville, OH 43014.
To share a memory or send the family an expression of sympathy, visit www.snyderfuneralhomes.com.
The Dowds-Snyder Funeral Home is honored to serve the family of Pauline Ruth Snow.
