Ruth E. Snyder, age 80, of 400 Tharp Street, Coal Township, died Wednesday morning in the Shamokin Area Community Hospital. She was born in Northumberland County on December 31, 1923, the daughter of the late Byron and Laura (Dailey) Mertz. She married Roger A. Snyder on December 10, 1942. She graduated from Coal Township High School. In addition to her husband, she is survived by 2 daughters, Mary A. Reider of Landisburg and Nancy J. Fox of Middletown; 4 brothers, Russell Mertz of Pine Grove, Kenneth Mertz of Coal Township, Jack Mertz of Northumberland and Thomas Mertz of Danville; and 5 sisters, Rachel Raker of Paxinos, Lucille Dimmick of Coal Township, Marjorie Stametz of Overlook, Frances Weaver of Shamokin and Lois Walburn of LaMesa, California. She was preceded in death by 1 daughter, Diana Shaffer; a granddaughter, Loni Shaffer; 2 brothers, Byron Mertz, Jr. and Joseph Mertz; and 1 sister, Cleo. A memorial service will be held on Sunday at 2 p.m. in the Jerre Wirt Blank Funeral Home, 395 State Street, Sunbury, with the Rev. Albert N. Schell, Jr. officiating. Burial will take place at a later date in the Northumberland Memorial Park, Stonington. There will be no viewing but friends may call at the funeral home on Sunday from 1 p.m. until the time of service. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the American Lung Association, 3001 Old Gettysburg Road, Camp Hill, PA 17011. www.pennlive.com/obits Published in the Patriot-News on 4/22/2004.