V. Jane Snell

V. Jane Snell, beloved mother, grandmother, and cherished community member, passed away on August 26, 2024, at the age of 92. Born on March 22, 1932, in Winfield, Kansas, Jane’s remarkable life was characterized by her boundless love for her family, her enduring commitment to community service, and her unwavering spirit.

 Jane was preceded in death by her beloved husband of nearly 68 years, Virgil Snell; her daughters Cathi Maynard and Janice Schlichting; her great-granddaughter Lydia Moore; her parents Beatrice (Johnson) and Johnny DeVore, and her brother Jasper DeVore.

 Jane’s education began at an early age in a one-room schoolhouse. She loved to talk about riding her horse, Old Burl, to and from school, often picking up friends along the way. After graduating from Arkansas City High School, she pursued her studies at Kansas State University. There, she became an active member of the Clovia 4-H house, where she built lifelong friendships. In 1952, she married Virgil Snell and seamlessly balanced her academic pursuits with family life. Even as Virgil served in the Air Force, Jane continued her education with determination and resilience, ultimately graduating in 1956 while raising their growing family.

 Jane's unwavering dedication to both family and community was a hallmark of her life. As a loving mother of seven, she adeptly balanced the demands of raising her children with her passion for education and community. After going back to school to earn a teaching certificate in English she taught briefly in Johnson County. From 1984 to 2020 she played a pivotal role as leader and member of the Johnson County Extension Unit. She also served as a Court-appointed special advocate (CASA) volunteer.

 In her late husband Virgil’s engineering career, Jane was a steadfast supporter, serving as a member and President of the Western Chapter of the Missouri Society of Professional Engineers (MSPE) Auxiliary. Her support extended to Black and Veatch, where she was an active supporter of Virgil’s partnership, serving as an advocate for engineering opportunities for young people.

Jane and Virgil were passionately devoted to Kansas State University, attending countless football games and serving on advisory boards to the university. Jane embraced an active lifestyle, relishing activities such as boating, water skiing, camping, snow skiing, and playing Bridge. She cherished vacationing with family and friends and dedicated herself generously to her church and community organizations. Their second home at Lake of the Ozarks was a beloved retreat, where they relaxed and shared time with family and friends. Jane had a deep love for reading and creativity, expressing herself through ceramics, painting, sewing, and quilting. Her vibrant spirit and enthusiasm for life left a lasting impression on all who knew her.

She is survived by her children Mari Yearout (Mark), Lori Offutt (Monte), Rhonda Anawalt (DJ), Patricia Moore, and Walter Snell (Suzanne); her grandchildren Conor Maynard, Mark Maynard, Margaret Schroeder, Andrea Stafford, Adam Mohr, Peter Mohr, Alex Mohr, Careece Rowden, Marissa Armour, Charles Armour, Randie Schlichting, Kenneth Offutt, Andrew Offutt, Kayla Offutt, Mason Offutt, Garrett Offutt, Winston Anawalt, David Anawalt, Summer Sorenson-Moore, Eric Moore, Blake Moore, Carson Moore, Andrew Cuthbert, Caroline Snell and Anthony Snell; 32 great grandchildren; and 6 great great grandchildren.

 Jane’s legacy is one of love, dedication, and service. Her impact on her family, friends, and community will be remembered and cherished forever. A funeral mass will be held in her honor, celebrating a life well-lived and a spirit that touched so many, at the Church of the Ascension, 9510 W. 127th St, Overland Park, KS, 66123, on Tuesday, September 3, 2024 at 10:00am, visitation at 8:30 am with a rosary at 9:30 am.  Burial at 1:30 pm at Resurrection Cemetery, Lenexa, Kansas.  

 Please consider a donation in Jane's name to the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society https://givenow.lls.org 

or the Alzheimer's Research Foundation - https://www.alzheimersresearchfoundation.com