Snyder, Laura Frances Shupe (1872-1956)

Mennonite Weekly Review obituary: 1956 Nov 8 p. 8

Birth date: 1872 May 3

text of obituary:

MRS. LAURA SNYDER

Mrs. Laura Snyder passed away early Monday morning, Oct. 1, 1956, at the Mennonite Hospital, La Junta, Colo., at the age of 84 years, five months and five days.

Laura Frances Shupe was born on May 3, 1872, at Kalona, Iowa. When a young girl she moved with her family to Kansas, and on May 3,1894, she married William Henry Snyder, who preceded her in death on August 6, 1937. To this union were born eleven children. Four died in infancy and a daughter, Mrs. Minnie Good, passed away on Nov. 24,1923.

In her youth she joined the Mennonite Church and remained a faithful member until her death.

She was untiring in her efforts in nursing the sick in her home and in the community. When there were hopeless cases of illness, she was the one who kept vigil and nursed at the bedside night and day. One of her little girl patients, having been given up by nurses and her doctor before doctor took over, has since spent most of her adult life on the mission field, ministering, in turn, to others. All through the years while mother was rearing her own family, other children who were homeless or in need shared in her generous affection and care. As many as 20 of these children lived with the family for a period of time and were loved and cared for by her.

She leaves to await a heavenly reunion four sons, Charles C. of La Junta, Bert D., Harve E. and Chris, all of the Holbrook community; two daughters, Mrs. Marion Hartzler of Goshen, Ind., and Mrs. John Rhodes of La Junta; two granddaughters whom she reared from childhood, Mrs. Alvin Kauffman of Crystal Springs, Kan. and Mrs. William Stjernholm of Cheraw, Colo.; 25 grandchildren; 28 great-grandchildren; and three sisters, Mrs. Allie Schmidt of Harper, Kan., Mrs. Effie Sharer and Mrs. Inez Kuhns of La Junta, Colo.

Her loving and prayerful concern for her family will be cherished by them as a challenge to serve more faithfully the Saviour she loved.