Elizabeth J. Snider

Elizabeth “Liz” J. Snider

Elizabeth J. Snider, 83, of Palmyra, Wisconsin, passed away peacefully at home, surrounded by her loving family, on Monday, February 23, 2026.

Elizabeth was born on April 6, 1942, in Waukesha, Wisconsin, to Harold and Leona (Wagner) Orchard. She was raised on her family farm in Dousman and graduated from Palmyra High School in 1959.

On October 21, 1961, Liz married the love of her life, Donald Snider, at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Palmyra. Together they shared more than 20 years of marriage before Don’s passing in 1982. They were blessed with two daughters, Kim and Karen, who were the center of Liz’s life.

Liz worked for Hawthorn Mellody Dairy and later for Northwest Telephone Company for most of her working career. She was also an active member of the Palmyra Lioness for many years. She grew up attending Siloam Methodist Church, which remained a meaningful part of her life. Known affectionately as ‘Toots’ and ‘Aunt Tootie,’ Liz loved her family fiercely and showed it through loyalty, sacrifice, high expectations, and plainspoken honesty. She was an avid fan of all Wisconsin sports. She enjoyed cooking and baking for family and friends and expressed her love in practical, heartfelt ways. She will be remembered for her humor, strong values, and unwavering devotion to her family.

She is survived by her daughters, Kim (Rob) Wentz of Elkhorn and Karen Brellenthin of Elkhorn; her grandsons, Justin (Kasandra) Brellenthin of Milwaukee and Dylan (Megan Bellon) Brellenthin of Elkhorn; her beloved great-granddaughters, Mayson and Birdie; her siblings, John (the late Mary Ellen) Orchard of Dousman and Jennifer (the late Harold) Christensen of Palmyra; and many nieces, nephews, other relatives, and friends.

Liz was preceded in death by her husband, Donald; her parents; her siblings, Ann and Dean Orchard; and her mother‑in‑law, Eleanor Snider.

Memorials in Liz’s honor may be made to Palmyra United Methodist Church or the Palmyra Lions in lieu of flowers.

A Funeral Service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, March 7, 2026, at Palmyra United Methodist Church in Palmyra, Wisconsin. The Rev. Thomas Alverson will officiate. Visitation will take place from 9:00 a.m. until the time of service at the church. Following the service, on the way to Hillside Cemetery in Palmyra, the procession will travel past the family farm in Dousman, a place Liz loved deeply throughout her life. She will be laid to rest next to her husband.

Gibson Family Funeral Homes of Palmyra and Eagle, Wisconsin, is serving the family. To place an online condolence, please visit gibsonfuneral.com.