Wanda Raye Snitz

Wanda Raye (Morgan) Snitz, 83, retired manager of Exodus Men’s Wear, born at home in Tulsa September 2, 1928, died Sunday, November 6, in Tulsa. She was preceded in death by her parents, Lola Dean (Simons) and Lee Morgan, and by beloved daughter Georgia “Jody” Lee. Survived by her devoted husband of 43 years, Donald I. Snitz; sister Wendy Chavez (Frank); two children: Ken Snitz (Patrice) and Cathie Meeker (Phillip); six grandchildren: Ricky Tilford, Donna Raye Forbis (Michael), Aaron Meeker, Jennifer Meeker (Stephen), George Snitz (Stephanie) and Rose Beth Snitz; eight great-grandchildren: Stormy, Samantha and Sabrina Tilford, Chase Davis (Lori), Grayson and Lawson Forbis, Rhys Meeker, and Zach Hoffman; and one great-great granddaughter anticipated next month. Wanda was a joy to all who knew her. Her infectious laugh and her incredible listening skills drew friends to her from far and wide. Born in Tulsa, she graduated from Mounds High School, then worked in the dry cleaning and tavern businesses before meeting the love of her life, Don Snitz, owner of Globe Clothiers. After their marriage, they opened Exodus Men’s Wear in the Fontana Shopping Center, a hub for high fashion clothing in the early 1970’s that drew performers and musicians from all over as well as local teens, who found in Wanda a “mother confessor”. Under Wanda’s guidance, Exodus was one of the first clothiers to include a unisex hair salon (Ritz Hair Styling) along with other services, such as a snooker table. Outside of the store, Wanda was known for her St. Patrick’s Day traveling party. Along with her sister Wendy, in a Kelly-green Cadillac convertible, she would tour the Irish pubs of Tulsa with a bucketful of shamrocks and a kiss for her friends. Wanda and Don loved to travel, completing 14 cruises to all parts of the world. She loved to sit on the balcony of their cabin, reading a book and holding hands as the ship sailed. When she wasn’t reading, she was working her crosswords or trivia. Even after a 2004 stroke limited her movement, she amazed staff and residents at the Tulsa Jewish Healthcare Center with her speed and accuracy on crosswords, and could identify any song after hearing just a few notes. She sang to staff members and Don, who sat with her daily. Funeral services will be at 2 p.m. Wednesday, November 9, at Fitgerald’s Southwood Colonial Chapel, with burial immediately following at Memorial Park Cemetery. The family welcomes both floral tributes at the funeral home and donations, in Wanda’s memory, to the Tulsa Jewish Retirement and Healthcare Center. SOUTHWOOD COLONIAL CHAPEL 918-291-3500.

Wanda Raye Snitz

September 2, 1928 - November 6, 2011