Eileen Heap Snider

Eileen H. Snider, 79, passed away peacefully on January 21, 2026, at Chancellor Gardens Assisted Living.

Eileen was born on November 8, 1946, in Ogden, Utah, the third child of Nellie Eileen Welch and Aaron Elmer Heap. She spent her childhood closely connected to her parents, traveling with her father as he participated in rodeos and served in the Weber County mounted sheriff’s posse. Eileen loved Siamese cats, and helped raise them with the horses. She also worked alongside her family in the beloved Heap’s Spudnuts business, where—at just 10 years old—she met the boy who would become the love of her life, Gary Snider.

In her teen years, Eileen worked as a counter attendant at Murray’s Drug, Eileen graduated from Ben Lomond High School in 1965. She and Gary began dating at 12 years old and remained devoted sweethearts throughout their lives. They eloped at age 19 in Preston, Idaho on July 18, 1966, and were later sealed in the Salt Lake Temple in 1969. Together they built a life grounded in love, faith, and partnership. Gary’s skill as a “jack of all trades” helped them fix up their first home and many others, while Eileen supported their family in countless ways, including selling Avon while Gary completed school.

In 1966, she began a long and accomplished career in civil service, starting with the Social Security Department and later serving as a Program Manager at Hill Air Force Base. Highly respected and exceptionally detail-oriented, she was known as a strong advocate for her staff and a tireless worker. Fierce in her support of funding for engineers and pilots, she earned the nickname “The Hammer” for her determination and effectiveness. An expert typist capable of 80 words per minute and widely regarded as intelligent and capable, she retired in 2016 at the GS-12 level. Notably, she dedicated an entire year to training her replacement—an enduring testament to her professionalism, commitment, and sense of duty.

She was a woman of distinct tastes. Eileen was an enthusiastic shopper and proud deal-hunter, she loved the thrill of a good sale at Dillard’s or Bon Marché, and enjoyed many Saturdays shopping and lunches at the Tiffin Room at ZCMI. She loved the sound of country music, especially Willie Nelson and Patsy Clein. She was a master of the kitchen, using generational recipes from the days of cooking with her grandmother. Eileen had a rare gift: the ability to tell you exactly what she thought, and do it with such finesse that you wouldn’t realize you’d just been told off. She was also famously fond of Diet Coke, whether “leaded or unleaded.”

She loved walking and reading, and she deeply treasured the friendships she formed along the way. She also found special joy in tending to her garden, taking quiet pleasure in flowers and the beauty they brought to her days.

Eileen was a devoted member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and served faithfully in many callings throughout her life. She also served as an ordinance worker in the Layton Temple. Family history and ancestral connections were deeply important to her, and she cherished maintaining those bonds for future generations.

More than anything, Eileen was a devoted protector of her family. She also lovingly cared for her mother in her later years, ensuring she was always supported and surrounded by care. She spent nearly 54 years with Gary, traveling the country for his work in the space shuttle program, from Cocoa Beach and up and down the Oregon Coast Line. When Gary developed brain cancer, Eileen became his fiercest advocate and tenderest nurse, caring for him until the very end. His loss left a space in her heart that never quite filled, and her family takes great comfort in knowing that Eileen will be reunited with the love of her life. After Gary’s passing she then poured her love and energy into her grandchildren, staying actively involved in their lives. She loved her grandchildren more than anything in this world.

Eileen is survived by her three children: Todd (Lori) Snider, Erin (Eric) Young, and Jeff Snider, 10 grandchildren: Carrigan (Hunter), Preston, Logan, Peyton, Kadee, Morgan, Amelia, Grace, Noah, and Luke and one great-granddaughter on the way. Also survived by her siblings, Brent (Joan) Heap and Gayle (Stephen) Johnson and sister-in-law DeAnne (Craig) Clawson.

She is reunited in death by her beloved husband, Gary, her parents; her parents-in-law; her granddaughter, Sara and great-grandson Hudson.

Eileen’s family extends heartfelt gratitude to A+ Hospice, the staff at Chancellor Gardens Assisted Living, and the many dear friends who lovingly supported her, including her lifelong friend Jeannette P. Hartog, who stood by her side from the age of 15.

Eileen will be remembered as spunky, determined, outgoing, and direct—yet deeply caring, a natural connector, a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, and friend. She leaves behind a legacy of love, faith, hard work, and family devotion that will continue for future generations.

Funeral Services will be held on Thursday, January 29, 2026 at 11:00 a.m. at the Layton 6th Ward, 1402 North Fort Lane, Layton.

A time to visit with family will be on Wednesday, January 28, from 6:00 – 8:00 p.m. at the Lindquist Ogden Mortuary, 3408 Washington Blvd, Ogden and on Thursday prior to the service from 9:30 – 10:30 a.m. at the Layton 6th Ward. Interment will be in the Kaysville cemetery next to her beloved sweetheart Gary.