Jan was born and raised in Bremen, Indiana. She married Lyle Shenefield, her childhood sweetheart, and together they raised two children, Lisa and Jay. Jan received a Music Education Degree from Indiana University. In 1965, after a polite divorce, and with her children in tow, Jan moved to Phoenix, Arizona, to begin a forty year career in elementary education curricula. Jan received two post-graduate degrees from Arizona State University in Choral Direction and in Organ Performance.

In 1970, Jan married Bob Snyder, "Bob" to the kids, and the head of the family. Daughter Lisa, and husband Steve, married in 1973 and over time gave us three grandchildren, Davin, Ryan and Gabrielle.

Upon retiring from career responsibilities in 1992, Bob entered the Graduation Theological Union in Berkeley, California, to complete his post-graduate degree of MDIV. After completing his degree requirements, he was called to a church in Hales Corners, Wisconsin, in 1994 and Jan and Bob moved to Wisconsin.

Once settled in Hales Corners, Jan continued using her skills in music and education. She accepted the position of organist in numerous churches while continuing to teach as a full-time and substitute teacher in various school districts in the area.

Jan lived her life with an appreciation for her blessings and she shared them as often as she could with all who were a part of her life. Music was deep in her soul, and she always felt it was God's way of talking to us.

Jan is survived by her loving husband, Bob, her daughter Lisa, grandchildren Davin, Ryan, Gabrielle, great grandson Walker Garrett, great grand daughter Brielle, her son Jay's widow, Jill, other relatives and many dear friends.

She was preceded in death by her grandparents, parents, her brother, George, her sister, Judy, and her son, Jay.

To the end, Jan was positive in her outlook on life, never passing up an opportunity to be kind to others and encourage them along on their life journeys.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a memorial gift to Emanuel United Church of Christ, Hales Corners outreach program in Jan's name.

Visitation at Emanuel Church, U.C.C., 10627 W. Forest Home Ave., Hales Corners, WI 53130 on Thursday, June 12, 2025 from 12:30 pm until the time of the service at 2 pm.