Irene D. Yax's Obituary
Big Rapids Irene D. Dare Snider Yax, Age 88 of Big Rapids , went home to be with the Lord Thursday, Nov. 26, 2009. She was born October 28, 1921, in Big Rapids, Michigan, the daughter of John and Beatrice (Leonard) Dare. On August 31, 1940 Irene married Martin J. Snider of Remus. They lived and worked in Detroit for several years until returning to Remus where she owned and operated the Dew Drop Inn Restaurant. Later Irene worked at Campbells Restaurant in Remus until beginning employment in the Food Service Dept. at Ferris State University. While at Ferris she took several classes in government and political science. This knowledge assisted her with being a better union steward and eventually president of the AFCME local 1609. Irene was always one to work effortlessly for peoples rights. She met Solon J. Yax at Ferris and they married on Aug. 28, 1972. After 21 years at Ferris she retired as a Food Service Supervisor. Irene also had an Avon business for 31 years always maintaining Presidents Club status. She was a member of St. Michaels Catholic Church in Remus where her children attended St. Michaels School. In addition to raising her nine children she volunteered on school projects and events. In 1966 Irene moved to Big Rapids and became a member of St. Marys Catholic Church. She dedicated her life to being the absolute best mother a child could ever hope to have. She taught her children, by example, to love God above all others and to always treat others as they would want to be treated. She instilled in them that all people were equal and deserved respect and courtesy and that honesty was of utmost importance. After retirement she and her husband Sol regularly visited area nursing homes. Irene is survived by eight daughters, Jan (David) Bryant of Orlando, FL, Cricket Whetzel of Cantonment, FL., Pat Anger of Barryton, LaVina (Jim) Dice of Mecosta, Gidget Cady of Big Rapids, Marti (Lyle) Troupe of Big Rapids, Mary (Walley) Garcia of Cadillac, Bobbi (Larry) Landreth of Big Rapids, one daughter-in-law, Katherine Snider, stepdaughter, Beverly (Mike) Goben of Texas, stepdaughter-in-law, Dawn Yax of Ludington, plus several grandchildren and great grandchildren. Also surviving are sisters, Lenabelle Schoenborn and Ruth Tribe both of Big Rapids, sister-in-law Frances Athens of Gaylord, brother-in-law, Albert (Lue) Snider of Remus and numerous nieces and nephews. Besides her parents, Irene was preceeded in death by her first husband, Martin Snider, second husband , Solon Yax, son, Martin Lucky Snider, two son-in-laws, Dick Anger and Bruce Whetzel, one granddaughter, Kelly Garcia, five brothers, Bill, Harry, George, Clifford and Eldie Dare, one sister, Betty Mursch and one stepson, John Yax. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 1:00 p.m. Wednesday Dec. 2, 2009 at St. Marys Catholic Church, Big Rapids, Fr. Lam T. Le, celebrant. Visitation will be Tuesday, 5-8 p.m. with Rosary at 7:00 p.m. at the Mohnke Funeral Home. Family will greet friends at the church from 12-1:00 prior to mass. Memorial contributions may be made to Hospice of Michigan, Big Rapids
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