SALT LAKE CITY/ST. GEORGE, UT - Cora Snider passed away March 28, 2002 at the age of 88 from causes incident to age. She had lived a long and productive life of service to her family whom she loved and cherished.
She was a life-long active member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Born June 7, 1913 to Carl William and Inez Knowlton Nelson in Salt Lake City, Cora's youth was filled with activities including musical programs and church basketball. She graduated from LDS Business College. On Nov 29, 1934, she married Ralph Alvin Sheffield in the Salt Lake Temple. They had five children, Charlotte Sheffield Maxfield, Ralph A. Sheffield II (Judith Black), Judith S. Keller (Ivan), Stephen N. Sheffield (Dorothy Prior), and Susan S. Proctor (Michael). She served as a legal secretary to her husband for many years.
A gifted musician, Cora composed dozens of songs and musicals, including "Come to Utah," for the 1947 Utah centennial celebration. Her 1955 play, "The Gentle Witch" won a prize in the LDS all-church play-writing contest which was published and produced church-wide. In 1964 the family moved to St George, UT. In 1970 Cora and Ralph served a mission as directors of the Oakland, CA and later of the new Independence, MO visitors centers.
Cora and Ralph have a large posterity including 40 grandchildren and 56 (soon to be 60) great-grandchildren. One great-grandchild was born the day she died. Ralph passed away Feb 8, 1983.
Cora married Wayne J. Anderson, a former professor and author, March 14, 1986, and moved to Salt Lake City, spending winters in St George. During this time, Cora completed a three-volume personal and family history of 1720 pages. Wayne passed away in 1993.
On March 11, 1995 Cora married Ernest L. Snider, a former bishop and federal agent. They also divided their time between Salt Lake City and St George. These later marriages were happy years for Cora, who was active until the last few days of her life.
Cora is survived by a sister, Janice Shivers; a brother, Richard K. Nelson; her husband, all of Salt Lake City, and children. She was preceded in death by three grandchildren, and one great-grandchild.
Services will be Wed. April 3, 2002 12 noon, Douglas LDS Ward chapel, 721 S. 1200 E, Salt Lake City. There will be a viewing Tues. April 2, 2002 6-8 p.m., Wasatch Lawn Mortuary, 3401 S. Highland Dr, Salt Lake City, and Wed. 11-11:45 a.m. at the Church. Interment, Wasatch Lawn Memorial Park.