Ralph M. Snyder

Ralph M. Snyder, 91 of Alliance, was called home to be with our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ on Friday, March 11, 2016. The son of the late Harry and Elizabeth (Carter) Snyder, he was a member of the First United Methodist Church of Sebring and a lifelong farmer and apple grower. The owner of Snyder’s Orchard, he lived and worked his entire life on the same farm. Those who went before him include his parents, his wife Anna Mae (Schubert) Snyder, sisters Marjorie France, Katharine Lindsly and a brother Harry Snyder. Ralph is survived by two sisters Maude Goldsby of Macon, GA., and Sara Stobert of Lakeland, Fl. sons Randy (Cheryl) Snyder of Stow, David (Deanna) Snyder of Alliance; grandchildren Kandace (Jeff) Snyder-Best, Kyle, Kolton and Corey Snyder, and great grandchild Brayton Best. Ralph Snyder witnessed and was part of unbelievable change throughout his 91 years. He attended school, grades 1-6, in a one room schoolhouse that still stands today near the family farm on Courtney Road. Upon graduating from Sebring High School, Ralph married his high school sweetheart, Anna Mae (Schubert) Snyder and began a wonderful and joyous marriage of 56 years. A third generation farmer, Ralph continued the Snyder Farming tradition passed down from his grandmother and father who founded Snyder Brothers Dairy and Snyder’s Orchard in 1910. From a young man walking behind two plow horses in the 1930’s, to driving modern day, 4-wheel drive John Deere tractors, Ralph Snyder continued to expand the orchard business. He provided the Alliance and surrounding areas with some of the finest apples ever produced in Northeast Ohio. Known for his honest, loyal and hardworking character, Ralph Snyder often put the needs of others before his own. It is this legacy that lives on in the fourth and fifth generations who continue to work and provide apples and produce to various farmer’s markets throughout the Stark, Mahoning and Columbiana county areas. As we say goodbye to Ralph M. Snyder we also say goodbye to one of the last of a very special breed… the true American Farmer. Dad, Grandpa, Uncle Ralph, we thank you for all you have done for us. For all of the lives you have touched, each has been truly blessed. Until we meet again in the Lord’s perfect orchard, you will be forever in our hearts. God Bless. We love you. Your Family.

A funeral service will take place on Friday, March 18, 2016 at Highland Memorial Park Chapel at 11:00 am with Rev. Norma Bates officiating. Friends and family may call at the funeral home on Thursday March 17, 2016 from 6:00-9:00pm. In lieu of flowers the family requests memorial contributions be made in Ralph and Anna Mae’s honor to the United Methodist Church of Sebring. Friends may send condolences and sign the guest register online at www.grfuneralhome.com.  Arrangements are by Gednetz-Ruzek Funeral Home Sebring, OH (330) 938-2526.