Memorial

On Wednesday, July 15, 2026, we said goodbye to our mom, grandma, sister, aunt, teacher, coach, and friend, Deb Snook. She passed away peacefully at the age of 72, surrounded by the love of her family.

Visitation will be held from 4:00 to 7:00 p.m. on Friday, July 31, 2026, at Cedar Memorial Park Funeral Home. A memorial service will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Saturday, August 1, 2026, at First Lutheran Church, followed by a reception. Private family inurnment will be held in Ames.

Deb was born on August 20, 1953, in Ames, Iowa, to John and Alberta Mahlstede. As the eldest of four siblings, she naturally embraced the role of caregiver, encourager, and steady presence within her family, qualities that would define her throughout her life.

A lifelong learner with a passion for education, Deb earned her master’s degree in education from Iowa State University. She devoted 30 years of her professional life to serving students at John F. Kennedy High School, where she taught Advanced Placement Chemistry, coached the Academic Decathlon team, coached swimming, and served as a school counselor. She believed deeply in the potential of every young person who walked through her door. Whether she was teaching a challenging chemistry lesson, preparing students for Academic Decathlon, encouraging a swimmer to believe in themselves, or offering guidance through life’s difficult moments, Deb made people feel seen, valued, and capable.

Deb’s influence reached far beyond the classroom, pool deck, and counseling office. She helped shape the lives of countless students, many of whom carried her encouragement and wisdom with them long after graduation. Her commitment to excellence and her love for coaching were recognized with her induction into the John F. Kennedy High School Coaches Hall of Fame, an honor that reflected not only her success in the pool but the lasting impact she had on the student-athletes she mentored.

Service was never just something Deb did, it was who she was. She quietly gave of herself every day, always willing to listen, help, encourage, or simply be present for someone who needed her. She believed in people, often before they believed in themselves. Her kindness, patience, and unwavering encouragement left a lasting impact on her family, friends, colleagues, and generations of students.

Above all, Deb cherished her family. She was a caring mother who loved her children unconditionally and found one of her greatest joys in being a grandmother. She treasured every opportunity to be with her four grandchildren—Timothy, Ellie, Jane, and Maddux—and loved watching them grow. The time they shared together, whether on family outings, at holidays, or simply enjoying one another's company, became memories her family will always cherish.

Faith was a meaningful part of Deb's life - she “lived to serve” as she always said. Her faith guided the way she loved others, served those around her, and faced both life’s joys and challenges with grace, humility, and hope.

Outside of work, Deb found joy in life’s simple pleasures. She loved taking long walks, spending time swimming, and being with the people she loved most. Whether enjoying a peaceful walk, spending time in the pool, or making memories with her grandchildren, she appreciated the quiet moments that made life so meaningful.

In her final years, Deb lived with dementia and cancer. While those illnesses changed much about daily life, they never changed the love her family had for her or the kindness that remained a part of who she was. Her family cherished every visit, every conversation, every smile, and every hand held. They find comfort in God's promises and the sure hope of the resurrection.

Deb is lovingly survived by her children, Jessica (Jack) Davies, Jennifer (Cody) Ayers, and Michael (Sam) Snook. She shared 38 years of marriage with Randy Snook, with whom they raised their family. She is also survived by her beloved grandchildren, Timothy Davies, Ellie Davies, Jane Davies, and Maddux Ayers; her siblings, Barb (Tim) Boyer, Cindy (Steve) Shupp, and John (Connie) Mahlstede; along with many cherished nieces and nephews, extended family members, dear friends, former colleagues, fellow church members, and generations of students whose lives were forever touched by her compassion, wisdom, and encouragement.

She shared 38 years of marriage with Randy Snook, with whom she raised her family. She was preceded in death by her parents, John and Alberta Mahlstede. Her family finds comfort in the hope and promises of her faith, and in the memories of the loved ones who came before her.

The family extends heartfelt gratitude to the caregivers, nurses, physicians, hospice team, and all who cared for Deb with compassion and kindness.