Regina Snyder (Stalder)

June 25, 1938 – July 25, 2025
Regina Snyder, born June 25, 1938, in Sabetha, Kansas, passed away on July 25, 2025, in Houston, Texas, surrounded by loved ones. She was the daughter of Helen and Rex Snyder and was preceded in death by her parents and her brother, Gordon Snyder.
Regina leaves behind a loving family including her four children: daughters Tracy Hall (Jeff) of San Marcos TX, Kristina Scott (Kip) of Springfield MO; sons Robin Stalder (Angela) of Lakewood CO, Timothy Stalder (Susan) of Sweetwater TX. She is also survived by her devoted fur-companion, Mardi, her beloved dog; 12 grandchildren; 18 great-grandchildren; and 4 great-great-grandchildren, along with 4 step-grandchildren and 6 step-great-grandchildren.
A proud graduate of Sabetha High School’s Class of 1956, Regina attended Kansas State University from 1956 to 1957 before marrying Gary Dwayne Stalder in 1958. The couple lived at Mildenhall Air Force Base in England for two years before returning to Sabetha, Kansas. Following her divorce, and as a single mother of four children, Regina resumed her studies at Peru State College (Peru, Nebraska), earning a Bachelor of Science in Education and a degree in Physical Education in 1967.
Her career as an educator took her across several states, beginning with teaching English in Kansas, then moving to Philip, South Dakota, where she taught English, served as a girls’ physical education instructor, and coached basketball, track, and field. She later taught at Piper High School in Kansas City, Kansas, while earning her Master’s degree in Journalism from the University of Kansas (Lawrence, Kansas).
In 1980, Regina relocated to Memphis, Tennessee, where she developed a passion for long-distance cycling, participating in the MS 150 multiple times and biking across Tennessee. In 1995, she moved to Houston, Texas, to be closer to family, continuing to teach until her retirement. A devoted fan of the Comets and women’s sports, she championed women’s rights throughout her life. She joyfully coached her granddaughters’ basketball teams, inspiring young athletes with her enthusiasm and dedication. Around 2002, she returned to Kansas to care for her mother until Helen’s passing in 2011. In 2017, she returned to Houston to spend her remaining years near her family.
Regina’s passions went way beyond the classroom and basketball court. She adored animals, cheered loudly (and sometimes yelled at the TV) for her Kansas Jayhawks, loved fresh flowers, tending to her strawberry garden, and had a special place in her heart for a classic Christmas. She had a well-known love for jello salad, chicken tenders and fries, ice cream, and a growing collection of clown sculptures that either charmed or mildly unnerved visitors - depending on how you feel about clowns. Her quick wit made family gatherings lively and full of stories that will probably get more exaggerated with every retelling. Whether she was yelling at a basketball game on TV, arranging her Christmas decorations in October, or sneaking her dog treats at the dinner table, Regina made sure life was never boring.
Regina will be remembered as a devoted mother, grandmother, educator, and coach whose passion for learning, teaching, and athletics inspired generations. Her energy, dedication, and adventurous spirit left a lasting mark on her family, students, pets, and all who knew her.
Graveside services will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, September 20, 2025, at the Albany Cemetery in Sebetha, Kansas.