Hettie M. Snider

Hettie Madelene Snider Madelene was born on November 8, 1926 at Burley, Idaho to Tom E. and Viola Lassiter. They later moved to Beverly Hills and then on to Los Angeles, CA where they resided for six years. A brother, Tom O. was born during that time. The family then moved to Washington and settled on a small wheat ranch outside of Withrow. Madelene went to Willow Springs School, a one room school house that her dad had attended when he was a child. Later brother, Glen; sister, Eleanor and brother, Roy were born. There were lots of livestock to care for. Madelene learned to ride horses and ski as her favorite things while growing up. She later attended schools at Withrow, Mansfield, Wenatchee and Waterville where she graduated in 1944. Winters were very harsh so she boarded out with her grandparents in Waterville until graduation. She went to work for Pacific NW Bell in Wenatchee as a long distance telephone telegraph operator. After two years she married her old classmate, David Snider. She later followed him to Germany aboard the U.S.S. Goethels. After arriving at Bremerhaven she boarded a special train that had been used by Hitler and his men. It was upholstered in red plush upholstery on dark wood, very beautiful. Within 24 hours she arrived in Munich where husband, David was waiting. They were given a country house outside of Neubeberg to live. The community was surrounded by huge barb wire coils. The streets in town were cobblestone and the transportation was the back of an Army truck. Later Army buses arrived. Daughter, Stephanie Sue Snider was born at the 98th General Hospital in Munich. After the cold war started the American dependents were sent home to the U.S. The whole family was lucky to be able to come home on the same ship, the U.S.S. Vance. They settled in Tacoma for 30 years. David became a civilian and Madelene worked for the Bell Company in Tacoma. During that time three sons were born: David M., John L. and Bryan E, David M. passed away in 2002. After 28 years at the telephone company Madelene retired and settled in Waterville. She was a lifetime member of Communications Workers of America, Telephone Company Pioneers and G.F.W.C. at Waterville. After a brief move to Oregon she longed for the sun and clear skies of Eastern Washington, so they moved back to East Wenatchee to live. Three years ago they moved back to Tacoma in order for Stephanie and brother, John could be closer to them and help take care of them. Survivors include her children, Stephanie Snider of Black Diamond, WA., John L. (Donna) Snider of Tacoma; six grandchildren, Jackie, Laura, John D., Jenifer, Misti and David E. of Black Diamond, WA.; six great grandchildren; her brother, Tom O. Lassiter and numerous nieces and nephews. Memorial Service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, February 7, 2015 at Waterville Federated Church. Please express your thoughts and memories on the online guest book at jonesjonesbetts.com. Arrangements are by Waterville Funeral Home.

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Hettie M. Snider

November 8, 1926 - January 26, 2015