Rev. Maetta Murdock Snyder
September 7, 1947 - June 6, 2025

Stephenson-Dearman Funeral Home 943 Highway 425 North Monticello, AR 71655 Map & Directions

Rev. Maetta Murdock Snyder, 77, of Monticello, Arkansas, passed away peacefully at her home surrounded by family and friends on Friday, June 6, 2025.
Born on September 7, 1947, to Rex and Kathleen Murdock (Brooks) in Shawano, Wisconsin, Maetta was a lifelong learner, a woman of deep faith, and a compassionate leader. She was a graduate of Wittenburg High School in Wittenburg, Wisconsin. She earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in English from the University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point in 1969, a Master’s degree in Counseling from the University of Texas at El Paso in 1978, and a Master of Divinity from Columbia Theological Seminary in Decatur, Georgia, in 1989.
Throughout her life, Maetta served as a pastor, counselor, and teacher, dedicating her work to the care and well-being of others. Her first pastorate was at First Presbyterian Church in Monticello, Arkansas, a congregation that held special meaning for her and her family. She went on to serve congregations at Westminster Presbyterian Church in Emporia, Kansas, and United Presbyterian Church in North Bend, Kansas. Before returning to Monticello, Maetta and her husband lived in Clarksville, Arkansas, where she attended First Presbyterian Church and regularly preached at churches across the Arkansas Presbytery. She later returned to Monticello to pastor once again at First Presbyterian Church, where she retired.
She is survived by her loving husband of nearly 54 years, David “Sam” Snyder; her children, Rex Snyder and wife Cheryl of Eden Prairie, Minnesota, and Samantha and husband Jeff of Conway, Arkansas; her German exchange students/children, Torsten Bosse of Berlin, Germany, and Patricia Bosse Spielberg (Hasso) of Bad Hamburg, Germany, and her adored grandchildren, Clay, Owen (fiancé Raelei) and Cora of Conway, and Leonard and Charlotte Spielberg of Germany. She is also survived by her brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law, as well as numerous nieces and nephews, great-nieces and nephews, and great-great-nieces and nephews.
Maetta and Sam shared a strong and enduring love-rooted in faith, laughter, and a spirited back-and-forth that only strengthened their bond of nearly 54 years of marriage.
Maetta was also known for her love of music and her remarkable musical talent. She was a lifelong choir member, sang in community choirs and cantatas, and performed in numerous musicals. Her soaring voice-especially when singing descants on beloved hymns-was a gift to all who worshiped alongside her. Music was not just a hobby; it was an expression of her spirit and her faith.
Maetta leaves behind countless cherished friends throughout the Presbyterian Church (USA) and in the many communities where she served with wisdom, wit, compassion, and grace. Her legacy lives on in the lives she touched through ministry, counseling, education, and friendship.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Rex and Kathleen Murdock; her sister, Luella “Midge” Wesolowski; and her brother, Guy Murdock.
A memorial service celebrating Rev. Snyder’s life and ministry will be held at First Presbyterian Church in Monticello (date and time to be determined). Dr. C. Drew Smith will officiate. A graveside service will be held in Wisconsin at a later date.
The family extends heartfelt thanks to the many friends, church members, and loved ones who have offered support, prayers, and love during this time.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to First Presbyterian Church of Monticello, Arkansas, or to Presbyterian Disaster Assistance, supporting relief efforts in communities affected by crisis and disaster.