Obituary of Mary Lou Snitger

Mary Lou Snitger, 93, photographer and long time resident of State College, PA, died June 23, 2015, at Armenian Nursing & Rehabilitation Center, Jamaica Plain, MA. She married Charles R. Snitger in 1979 who preceded her in death on May 15, 2004. She was born on March 27, 1922 in Indiana, PA and was the daughter of the late Carl and Vera Randall Douglas. She graduated from Indiana High School 1940, and began her career in photography as a partner with her father in Douglas Photographic Studios. She also graduated from Eastman Kodak School of Photography in 1942. Mary Lou married Jack Risheberger in 1947 and relocated to State College, PA when he returned to study at Penn State University following World War II. Her daughter, Anne, was born in 1949 and her son, Jack in 1953. While raising a family, she continued her work as a photographer, both privately and while employed by Bob Breon at Penn State Photo Shop. She also worked for the Centre County Film Lab, and was employed at Penn State University Photographic Services from 1969 until her retirement in 1986. In addition to her employment, Mary Lou was a prolific photographer of portraits, group public relations photos, and weddings. She volunteered her photographic services for numerous organizations including St. Paul’s Methodist Church and the American Cancer Society, and she was named Volunteer of the Year by this society in 1977. She also exhibited her work in the State College area including exhibitions at the Centre Pennsylvania Arts Festival. She is survived by two children; Anne Trecker and her husband, Stan, of Brookline, MA, and Jack W. Risheberger and his wife, Tracie, of Ashville, NC, as well as four step-children; Charles R. Snitger and his wife, Joyce, of Beaver, PA, J. Edward Snitger and his wife, Jeanne of Beaver, PA, David R. Snitger and his wife, Caroleanne of New Cumberland, PA, and Catherine S. Harrington of St. Augustine, Florida. Mary Lou also leaves four grandchildren, Heather Halem, Amanda Trecker, Ali Risheberger and Morgan Risheberger, seven step-grandchildren Dana Scott, Jennifer Deelo, Korey Harrington, Stacey Harrington-Butts, Kara Yost, Katie Mace and Ali Snitger. In addition she also leaves, two great grandchildren, and four step-great grandchildren. Mary Lou was an active member of the St. Paul’s United Methodist Church of State College and the Friendship Sunday School class. Memorial Service- St. Paul’s United Methodist Church, State College Time: 11:00 A.M. Date: Friday, August 28, 2015 Rev. Eric Shafer Officiating Memorial contributions may be directed to the St. Paul’s United Methodist Church, 250 E. College Ave., State College, PA 16801. Arrangements are under the care of Koch Funeral Home, State College. Online condolences and signing of the guest book may be entered at www.kochfuneralhome.com or visit us on Facebook.