RLou Snyder

TOLEDO-RLou H. Snyder, 91, of Toledo, passed away Tuesday, October 28, 2025 at her home under the care of UnityPoint Hospice in Grinnell. RLou’s wishes were to be cremated and have her and husband James’ ashes buried in his hometown of Glidden, Iowa, next to his parents.

RLou was born on the family farm northwest of Toledo on May 29, 1934. She was the third child of six born to RLou and Alfred Chesley Dixon. When she was five years old the family moved to town.

RLou married James W. Snyder on August 14, 1949 and they remained married for seventy-four years until his death in 2024.

RLou loved to travel. Her first big trip was in 1974 when she, her mother, and daughter, Joni went to Spain and Morocco. She also made several trips to the U.K. with her friend, Jean. RLou’s other travels were with her daughter, Mary, around the U.S., to Barry Manilow concerts and fan club conventions. For fifty years, RLou was a volunteer for the Wieting Theatre. She helped with fundraising shows, activities in Toledo’s parades, and other activities. RLou enjoyed bowling, and being a member of Rebekah’s Lodge. She hosted Tupperware parties, sold Avon products and got together with friends to play the card game, Court Whist.

RLou was employed as a delivery driver for the Tama Bakery. She also cleaned the El Ranko Motel, and clerked the office when owners, Don and Mildred McKale needed to be gone. RLou got a new job in 1972, as a clerk for the Toledo Post Office, retiring in 1996.

Before RLou’s health failed her, she was a regular visitor of casinos in Iowa and Illinois. She made friends everywhere she went and always had a big smile, a quick wit, and a tongue in cheek attitude on life.

RLou is survived by her two daughters, Joni (Snyder) Hall of Council Bluffs, and Mary Snyder of Toledo; daughters-in-law, Jamie (Brezina) Snyder of Marshalltown, and Kelly (Smith) Snyder of Ankeny; grandsons, Dillon and Nathan of Ankeny; granddaughter, Jeanie Hall of Council Bluffs; four great-grandchildren, two great-great grandchildren; many nieces and nephews; and sister-in-law, Shirley Dixon of Cincinnati, OH.

Preceding RLou in death were her parents; husband, James; sons, James Jr. and John Snyder; grandson, Ryan; and her siblings, Bessie, George, Jackie, Dean, and Dale.

RLou’s favorite saying was “See ya at the Wieting.” Now it would be “See ya in Heaven.” God Bless RLou, Amen.

Memorials may be directed to the family.

Kruse-Phillips Funeral Home, Tama-Toledo, is assisting the family with arrangements.