Valdene Grace Snodgrass

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BYRON – Valdene Grace Snodgrass, 85, of Byron, died Monday, April 26, 2021, at The Atrium in Rockford. She was born in her parent’s home, June 11, 1935 in Oregon, the daughter of Emmo F. and Jessie G. (Claussen) Oltmanns. 

She graduated a year early and valedictorian at Byron High School in 1952. In school she participated in Spanish club, girl’s chorus, mixed chorus, student council, GAA (Girls Athletic Association), speech contest and news editor. Valdene married Duane “Dewey” Eugene Snodgrass on June 21, 1962. 

Soon after graduating from high school Valdene started her banking career at Byron Bank where she worked fourteen years starting out with filing checks, posting transactions and then becoming a teller. Later she was loan officer and promoted to and ending her tenure there as assistant cashier. Valdene became one of the first female CEO’s of a bank in Illinois at the First National Bank in Winnebago retiring in 2001 as President. She was a member of the Ebenezer Reformed Church near Oregon and the Illinois Bankers Association. She enjoyed boating, bowling, water skiing and country music. Valdene’s dogs where her pride and joy. 

Valdene is survived by her brother, Alvin Oltmanns of Byron; several nephews and nieces.

Valdene is predeceased by her husband of 57 years, Dewey Snodgrass; sister, Pauline Weller.

Funeral service was 11 a.m., with a visitation starting at 10 a.m., Tuesday, May 4, 2021, at Ebenezer Reformed Church, 2997 N. German Church Rd., Oregon with Pastor Josiah Youngquist officiating. Interment at Ebenezer Cemetery. In lieu of flowers a memorial will be established.   

Arrangements by Genandt Funeral Home, 602 N. Elida St., Winnebago. For an online obituary and tributes go to www.genandtfuneralhome.com.