Obituary of Ruth Eleanor Snyder

On Sunday, January 22, 2023, Ruth Eleanor Snyder, a treasured daughter, sister and aunt, passed away at her home in Chapel Hill from complications following a short illness. She was 55 years-old.

“Roo”, as she was affectionately called by her family, was born on September 17, 1967 in Baltimore, Maryland to Wanita (Raysinger) and Robert G. Snyder. Roo spent her very early years in Baltimore, then after her mother remarried, the family moved out West and she attended school in various locations in Wyoming and Montana, with the family eventually settling in Eureka, Montana, where Roo graduated from Lincoln County High School in 1987. Upon Roo’s graduation, she and her family moved to North Carolina to be closer to her maternal grandmother and other family. 

Roo enjoyed many artistic pursuits, such as drawing, coloring, computer art and creative writing. She also enjoyed reading science fiction and fantasy books, as well as watching classic science fiction and fantasy TV shows and crime dramas. She shared a special bond with her nephew over their mutual appreciation of anime. Music was also a passion for her from an early age, as she enjoyed listening to classic, hard and alternative rock music. Roo was an avid lover of all creatures, particularly of her and her mother’s two rescued feral cats, Momma Cat and Tater. 

Roo was a wonderful companion and support to her mother, Wanita Bassett, after the tragic death of her sister in 2001. Roo’s mother survives her at the family home. Roo is also survived by her sister and brother-in-law, Roberta (“Birdie”) and Fred Kirkman of Chapel Hill, NC and her nephew, Jordan Bassett-Coffin. She was preceded in death by her grandparents and her younger sister, Bonnie Lee Bassett. 

To honor Roo’s compassionate and loving spirit, in lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be directed to the American Heart Association, Paws4ever in Mebane, the Veterinary Care Charitable Fund or a charity of the donor’s choice. 

A celebration of Ruth’s life will be held at a future date.  The family is being assisted by Walker’s Funeral Home of Chapel Hill.