Belva Jo Snyder
8/31/1925 - 6/10/2025

Belva Jo Russell was the fourth and next to last daughter born to Elmer and Gladys Russell in Balko, OK. Her sisters Lenore, Mona, Luella and Betty, along with Belva, were all devoted to each other and their wonderful family. They lived a life that was a testament to strength, compassion and unwavering faith. After the dust bowl of the 1930’s, the Russell’s found themselves seeking a new destiny. Elmer, affectionately referred to by his family as “Daddy Bob” felt the calling to preach the gospel, so they set off in search of a new beginning and way of life. Their travels were arduous, but they persevered and reached many people who would come to hear Daddy Bob speak and attend their tent revivals. The five sisters would sing at these meetings where they gave very accomplished and beautiful performances.

It was at one of these revivals that she met Ivan “Fritz” Moore. They felt an instant connection to each other and were married on November 7, 1943, in Katy, Texas. Belva and Fritz had six children over the span of 16 years. They welcomed Ivan Ray Jr., Judy, Terrell, Rickey, Rita, and Rhonda. They worked hard to provide for their family and lived close to Fritz’s family in Vanderpool, Texas. A great deal of time was spent there swimming in the Sabinal River, helping with the various ranch duties, and attending large family gatherings which featured food harvested right at home. Those memories would leave a lasting impact as it was a beautiful way of living life in the lovely Texas Hill Country.

Through every decade of her life, Belva met the challenges and joyful times with grace and resilience. She was a wonderful cook and so there always seemed to be extra people at the table for dinner. Her family likes to say that she could take only one chicken and manage to feed everyone. Music and art were of great importance, so Belva played the piano for her children and they delighted in her entertainment. The kids requested “Boogie Woogie” music many times as it was so lively and fun. She would also make homemade play dough and provide paints for artistic drawings. Belva was an inspired painter, piano player and singer. She enjoyed life, passed down traditions and made a home that others loved to visit because of the warmth and hospitality shown. Laughter was always on the menu and so were the home-made doughnuts everyone loved.

Belva, after retiring from working in retail for over 20 years, reconnected with a past acquaintance from those early tent revival days named Richard Snyder. She had his photo from when they were young, she was 14 and he 19, in her picture drawer for more than 50 years. She teasingly referred to him as her first boyfriend. Fifty or so years had passed but they still had an affectionate regard for each other. They decided to marry after a few months and had a wonderful life together for over two decades. Time was spent at their home in Texas in the winters and at their home in Medford, Oregon in summer where his 5 children lived. Belva enjoyed her stepchildren and they loved her. It was the best of both worlds for them as they got to spend time with both their families.

Belva lived the last few years of her life at Texan House in Boerne, Texas. Chris Papacek not only provided a beautiful place to live but showed a great deal of loving care along with his team. She was very happy there and was treated as family. Special acknowledgement to Margarita and Francisco Rodriguez for their devotion and commitment to her. Saying thanks is not nearly enough but we honor them for all they did to make Belva’s life the best it could possibly be in her last years. Embrace Hospice Services provided compassionate and considerate care in her final days, and her family is very grateful for their kindness and support.

Belva was preceded in death by Fritz and Richard, her sons Ivan and Rickey and her four sisters. She is survived by her daughters and son along with her grandchildren and great grandchildren. They remember Granny/Gigi with love and remember what an extraordinary life she lived. Belva was just two months shy of reaching her 100th birthday. Her birthday celebration will still take place, and her family will honor her long and storied life. She will be deeply missed and forever cherished.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks if anyone wants to honor Belva, they can by donating to Warriors Heart in Bandera, Texas, https://frontlinehealingfoundation.org/.

Obituary Provided By:

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