Fire victim could be home for Christmas

A Somers woman injured in a Thanksgiving fire in Somers could be home from the hospital by Christmas.

By CHERY SABOL

The Daily Inter Lake

A Somers woman injured in a Thanksgiving fire in Somers could be home from the hospital by Christmas.

"Scarecrow Sue" Snyder, known for her artwork that includes whimsical scarecrows, is healing at the Harborview Medical Center burn unit in Seattle.

A friend of hers, Al Johnson, said Snyder was up and walking with some oxygen and some physical support Friday. Her face and hands escaped serious burns.

The cause of the fire that destroyed Snyder's home is still undetermined. She was rescued from the burning building, the former Methodist church in Somers which Snyder transformed into a home and workshop for her art.

Johnson spent last week with Snyder in the Seattle hospital and returned with a letter she wrote to her friends and family in the Flathead:

"Thank you for your prayers, encouragement and support during this difficult time, after having 'burnt the turkey.'

"Your loving cards, cares, and correspondence makes it to me daily on strong angel wings.

"Monday, I begin skin grafts on my back. I don't have much of a voice now, a weak whisper for vocalizing so conversation is difficult.

"My love to all as I continue to grow stronger in a positive way with a burn unit staff of primo first quality. Have a raven's way kind of day.

"Much love to all, Scarecrow Sue."

Johnson said Snyder could be released from the hospital as soon as 10 days after Monday's skin grafting. That could put her back in the Flathead before the holidays.

"She has a twinkle in her eye," Johnson said of his friend.

There is no organized fund-raiser planned yet to help Snyder rebuild her home, he said.