Biography
Bernice Elaine (Snyder) born July 14, 1927 in Bellefontaine, Ohio.
Mother: Lelah Coy Shontz (Snyder) of Rushsylvania, Ohio
Father: Silas Sanford Snyder of Bellefontaine, Ohio
Husband: Robert G. Couts, Sr. of Van Wert, Ohio
Brothers: Eldon Snyder, Gaynard Snyder, Willard Snyder, and Roger Snyder
United in Marriage: Bernice Elaine (Snyder) and Robert G. Couts in Portland, Indiana on March 5, 1947.
Preceded in death by her parents, her husband, and a son, Bradley J. Counts in 1964. Also preceding her in death were her brothers, Eldon, Gaynard, Willard and Roger Snyder all of Van Wert, Ohio.
She is survived by sons: Robert G. Couts, Jr. and wife Charlotte of Trenton, Ohio and Thomas H. Couts and wife Sherril of Eldon, Missouri and by daughters: Karen Tierce and husband Joel of Eustis, Florida, Marsha Hughes of Lake Ozark, Missouri, and Connie Lepera and husband Greg of Middletown, Ohio. She is also survived by thirteen grandchildren and seventeen great grandchildren. Also survived by sister in laws, Betty Snyder, Sondra Snyder, Marie Couts, and Mary Ellen Couts all of Van Wert, Ohio
While residing in Van Wert, Ohio, she worked at the Van Wert Canning Factory, and upon moving to Trenton, Ohio in 1963 she worked at the Central Store. When she and her late husband relocated to Columbus, Ohio, she began working at J.C. Penney's Corporation as a Data Entry Operator in the Order Processing Department. In 1978 Bernice transferred from Columbus, Ohio to the Order Processing Department in Lenexa,Kansas and was promoted to Lead Clerk. Upon her retirement from Penny's Corporation, Benice and her late husband moved to their retirement home at the Lake of the Ozarks, Missouri.
Bernice was a faithful member of the former Calvary E.U.B. Church in Van Wert, Ohio. She was a devoted mother and wife giving her children a spiritual foundation to grow on, devoting herself and family to the church. She was a gifted seamstress as was her mother. She loved working in her yard, cooking, and taking care of her family throughout her lifetime. She will be greatly missed by her family and friends. She was an inspiration to all that knew her, and will live on in our hearts and memories forever. God be with her.
Rejoice with cetainty that she is with her Heavenly Father and those loved ones who have gone before her, especially her son Bradley. She would tell us not to stand at he grave and weep, but to remember and hold close to our hearts the love that she bestowed upon us all.
A graveside service shall be held for Bernice Elaine Couts at Ridge Cemetery in Van Wert, Ohio at 11:00 AM on September 4, 2010.
Memorials for Bernice are suggested to a Hospice Organization of your choice.
