Ethel Mae Snare, 104

Ethel Mae Snare, 104, of Plano TX (formerly of Ellwood City) passed away on October 27, 2026 at Avalon Memory Care.

Ethel Snare was born on April 27,1922 to George and Gladys Wallis in the Ewing Park area of Ellwood City, Pennsylvania, a place she proudly called her home throughout her life. She grew up with her three siblings, Virginia, Robert, and Roberta during the Depression and the lessons of being thrifty and self-sufficient stayed with her throughout her life.

On October 5, 1944 she married Russell Snare who was on leave from the Army. Her parents saved their transportation stamps so the new couple could have a honeymoon. Their trip started in Cleveland, Ohio and the hotel room cost $9.00. Shortly after they returned, Russell was shipped out to the European Theater where he fought in World War II. Here at home, Ethel joined her fellow women to do her part to help the war effort. She worked at the Tube Mill and National Standard Steel cleaning gun barrels, grinding and filing steel to remove the imperfections.

Russell and Ethel welcomed four daughters after the war, Sharen, Linda, Patty and Elaine. While her daughters were young, she served her community as a crossing guard and meter reader for the Ellwood City Police Department and took in laundry and seamstress work. As a seamstress at a local fabric store, she became well-known for her custom draperies, which adorned homes throughout Ellwood City and beyond. She made her daughters Easter dresses each year and passed her passion for sewing and quilting on to her daughters. She was known for her baking and took pride in serving her family homemade bread, pies and desserts much to her husband’s delight. Her life was dedicated to serving her family and the church. She was a proud grandmother.

After the passing of her husband, Ethel moved to Plano, Texas to be closer to her daughter Linda. Ethel had a zest for living life fully and even convinced her grandson to take her for a spin on the back of his motorcycle at 85 years old. She told him he should have driven faster.

Even in her later years, Ethel’s spirit remained strong. Her Bible was well-worn, her prayers constant, and her gratitude for life unshaken. She lived what she believed: that love and kindness were the truest expressions of faith. At the heart of everything Ethel did was her deep Christian faith. She trusted in God’s plan throughout her life and found strength in prayer and Scripture. Her faith shaped the way she treated others – with patience, humility, and grace.

Survivors include three daughters; Linda (Rodney) Scott of Plano TX, Patty Kleinschmidt of Marlborough CT, and Elaine (Mark) Cuddy of Mt. Lebanon PA; nine grandchildren; 21 great-grandchildren; one great-great-grandchild, each of whom brought her much pride; sister, Roberta Lewis of Valdosta GA, and son-in-law, Curt Atkins of New Castle PA.

In addition to her parents and husband, she was preceded in death by her daughter Sharen Atkins, brother, Robert Wallis and sister, Virginia Miller.

Interment will be in Slippery Rock Church Cemetery Ellwood City PA, where she will be laid to rest with her husband Russell.

Online condolences may be sent to marshallsfh.com