Surrounded by family, Ruth Marie Snyder passed away peacefully in Tucson, Arizona, on Easter, April 5, 2026 - a fitting day for a lifelong and deeply devoted Catholic. Ruth was one of the younger of the seven children to Frances and Leo Weber, born on May 31, 1932. She was raised on the Camas Prairie near Ferdinand, ID and was a great support to her family by helping out with all aspects of farm life. She had four sisters, Marjorie (Dale), deceased, Dolores (Kenny), deceased, Nellie “Sr. Marie,” deceased, and Phyllis (Wayne), as well as two brothers, Donald “Bud” deceased, and LeRoy (Mary), deceased. Ruth was a quiet and shy girl, but took part in any extra activities her small farm community school offered, including basketball and glee club. Growing up in a small community during the Depression, she developed gratitude for what she had and learned how to make resources last.

After graduating from high school, Ruth moved to Lewiston, Idaho and began her banking career. She married Russel Snyder on Aug 7, 1952, and they raised two daughters in Kennewick, WA, --Teresa Kudrna (David) and Kathleen Currier (Mark). She moved to Spokane, WA in 1979, continuing her career at Seafirst Bank (later Bank of America) from which she retired in 1998. She worked as a teller, then later in the vault where they jokingly called themselves the “vault rats.” Ruth became a dedicated volunteer of St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Parish, doing everything from singing in the choir, serving at Mass and held several offices in the Women’s Club and guild. She counted collection, and coordinated funeral receptions, and sometimes served as funeral mass altar server. Ruth had keys to everything at the church. She attended daily Mass and weekly adoration. Ruth developed an interest in crime prevention and community safety efforts and began volunteering with Spokane C.O.P.S. (Community Oriented Policing Services) which she did for 15 years. Her activities even included night patrols of local neighborhoods. She received recognition from the City of Spokane for her volunteer work and leadership.

Ruth was known as GRuth to her grandchildren and great grandchildren, whom she loved deeply: Steve (Annie), Julie (Paul), and Mark (Kirsten). She traveled to Idaho several times to care for grandchildren when Teresa and Dave were out of town, including during snowy winters and power outages. She enjoyed all types of family gatherings and celebrations and loved Kathleen and Mark’s dogs and their home on the lake. Her family grew to include five great grandchildren. She especially loved birds and dogs.

Ruth is remembered for her tremendous faith in Jesus, devotion to the Virgin Mary, and service to the church. Her faith and example inspired and strengthened the faith of others. Her quick wit and jokes kept those around her laughing. Ruth was a good cook and hosted many family gatherings. She enjoyed playing cards and games. Until just days before her passing, she remained a formidable opponent when playing the game of Sorry.

Rosary will be said at 10am on Saturday, April 25, 2026 at St. Francis of Assisi, 1104 W. Heroy, Spokane, WA. The funeral Mass will follow at 10:30 am at St. Francis of Assisi, with a reception to follow in the church hall. Burial will be on Monday, April 27, 2026 at 11am at Holy Cross Cemetery, 7200 N. Wall Street, Spokane. 

Donations can be offered in her name to ….The Poor Clares Monastery, 4419 N. Hawthorne St. Spokane or St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Parish, 1104 W. Heroy, Spokane. Please visit Holy Cross Funeral Services website and leave a memory or comment.