Audrey Alice Osterhage Snyder

Audrey Alice Osterhage Snyder of Crystal River, FL, formerly of Terre Haute, IN, passed away peacefully on May 28, 2021. She was born April 19, 1924 to Ernest Louis Osterhage and Mary Ann Summers Osterhage. She married Earl M. Snyder, Jr. June 25, 1950. Audrey is survived by her children Dianne Lee (Dan) of Savannah, GA and Dr. Kevin Snyder of Crystal River, FL; grandchildren Jennifer Lee (Chicago, IL), Lindsey Snyder (Crystal River, FL), Bryan Lee (Jacksonville, FL), and Connor Snyder (Seattle, WA); and great-grandson Aiden Smith (Crystal River, FL). She was preceded in death by her parents and husband.

Audrey had an amazing life full of diverse interests and experiences. A graduate of T.H. Wiley High School and a master’s degree recipient from Indiana State University, Audrey was an ardent, lifelong advocate for education. She began teaching at Ft. Harrison and Fairbanks Schools, then later Meadows, where she was principal for 26 years; altogether investing 43 years and positively impacting the lives of thousands of students. In 1960, she presented then-presidential candidate John F. Kennedy with some native paw-paws when he came to the school, and was principal when former governor and senator Evan Bayh attended Meadows. During her tenure, Audrey developed a show choir (the Meadowlarks) and arranged the choreography for school programs. She initiated the first program in Vigo County for gifted and talented students. Audrey helped develop many local curriculum programs, and was appointed by Governor Orr to serve on two of the earliest state curriculum committees for substance abuse/prevention and computer technology. She was active in several social and professional organizations, including Gamma Phi Beta, Delta Kappa Gamma, Phi Delta Kappa, Indiana Association of School Principals, and the National Association of Elementary Principals. She held various offices in these organizations and was named District 6 Elementary Principal of the Year in 1981. In 2006, Audrey was deeply honored to return to Terre Haute for the dedication of the new Meadows School stage and bronze commemorative plaque in her name.

Success in her chosen career may well be attributed to interests in her earlier life. Audrey began taking dance lessons at age five and added music lessons and baton twirling three years later. She learned to play the accordion and saxophone, and her association with bands took her on travels all around the country. At age twelve, she had her own local radio program. Audrey sang, played the saxophone, and tap-danced while a friend played the accordion — all to advertise “Holsum Honey Bun Bread.” She started giving dance lessons on her porch that same year. Her reputation grew, and Audrey and a friend opened their own dance studio downtown to help pay for college. She was drum majorette every year of high school and college and was the state baton twirling champion of Indiana 1940-42. She traveled with the U.S.O. during World War II, singing, dancing, and selling war bonds.

Audrey continued to travel as her family grew, and she visited all fifty states and internationally. She was great at making friends, but even better at keeping them. She was one of a wonderful “gang of eight” bridge club that met regularly for over twenty years. She never forgot to return a kindness and always made time available for anyone who needed her. Audrey loved her family with all her heart, and she was the glue that brought everyone together for holidays and celebrations. She was always known to be a snappy dresser, and as long as she kept a regular hair appointment, she was ready for almost any adventure. She loved nature and arts and crafts of all kinds, and enjoyed collecting. She was really good at collecting. One of her largest collections was of angels, so it is no great wonder that they are watching over her now. Audrey was a lifelong member of First Baptist Church while she lived in Terre Haute. When she moved to Florida in 1997, she attended Seven Rivers Church.

The family offers heartfelt thanks to the wonderful staff at Cedar Creek Assisted Living in Crystal River for their loving care and attention, and to the hospice team at VITAS Healthcare of Lecanto. Remembrances may be made to the Vigo County Education Foundation, the Indiana State University Foundation, or simply offer a smile or kindness to a stranger.

Graveside services will be held Saturday, June 5, 2021 at 1:00 PM at Roselawn Memorial Park in Terre Haute, arrangements through Callahan & Hughes Funeral Home. Local arrangements under the direction of Brown Funeral Home and Crematory in Lecanto, FL.  Funeral information and tributes may be found at www.callahanandhughes.com