Obituary of Stella Snyder

Stella Snyder, 80 of Ione, CA, died peacefully on Monday, September 20, 2010 at Sutter Amador Hospital in Jackson, CA. Stella was born February 8, 1930 to John and Hellen (Lopatksi) Lopatka in Gallitzin, PA. After marrying the love of her life, Everett Snyder, the couple moved to Hayward, CA and later built their retirement home nestled in Fiddletown, CA. Stella always enjoyed working around people and the food industry; from Cecil's in Hayward to purchasing a business with her husband, Rocky's Pizza in Hayward. After ten years, they sold the business and retired to Fiddletown. She spent most of her life in service with the Ladies Auxiliary, Women of the Moose, Foothill Garden Club and many more. Stella will fondly be remembered for her crafty ideas and working hard to raise money for good causes. After traveling across the United States together, Stella and her husband, Everett enjoyed spending time visiting with folks at the Jackson Rancheria and various bingos. She will be greatly missed by all. After a two and a half year battle with breast cancer, Stella peacefully went to be with the Lord. She was predeceased by her son, Frank of Amador City; sisters, Marya DeBonis, Ella Franchino, Nellie Dey, Genevieve Tindall, Lydia Stutski; brothers, Charles Lopatka and John Lopatka Jr. She is survived by her husband, Everett Snyder of Ione; daughters, Linda (Rick) Murzi of Union City, Mary (Mike) Machart of MT; son, Kenneth of NM; 9 grandchildren; 6 great grandchildren; and brother, Leo Lopatka of FL. Stella also has numerous "adopted" children and close friends through the Women of the Moose and Immaculate Conception Catholic Church. Friends are invited to attend a visitation Tuesday, September 28 from 9:30 to 11:00 A.M., followed by a mass of Christian burial at 11:00 A.M. at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church, 115 Amelia in Sutter Creek. Interment will follow the mass at Sutter Creek Catholic Cemetery in Sutter Creek, CA. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in Stella's memory to Immaculate Conception Catholic Church, P.O. Box 127, Sutter Creek, CA 95685.