Martha Dean Snelling

Martha Dean Snelling went home to be with her Lord the morning of Tuesday, April 5, 2011 in her home near Waynesville, Missouri, at the age of 78 years, 6 months and 17 days. Daughter of the late A.V. and Mary (Martin) Holloway, Martha Dean and her twin sister, Emma Jean, were born September 19, 1932 in Richmond, Missouri. Martha grew up in Richmond where she graduated from Richmond High School in 1950. On July 28, 1953, in Lexington, Missouri, Martha was united in marriage with Harrison Howard Snelling, They shared over 57 years together and were blessed with four children: Tisha, Harry Jr., Lori and Chris. Due to Harry being in the military, Martha and the family moved several times, but eventually retired in the Waynesville area. She was a devoted Army wife, mother and grandmother. Martha was very active with the Red Cross. Martha was a member of the Deerlick Baptist Church where she served as church secretary for many years. She also led the congregation in singing at every service with her dear friend Georgia Primus accompanying her. She also taught Sunday School and you could find her at church every time the doors were open as long as she was able. In her spare time, Martha enjoyed watching birds and working outdoors in her garden. She was very talented when it came to quilt making and painting. Most importantly, she loved spending time with her family and took every opportunity she could to visit with them, especially the grandkids. Martha will be sadly missed by all those that knew and loved her. She leaves to cherish her memory her husband Harrison Snelling of the home; four children: Tisha Morgan of Springfield, MO, Harry Snelling, Jr. (Susie) of Waynesville, Lori Laughlin (Bobby) of Waynesville and Chris Allen Snelling (Melinda) of St. Louis; one sister: Emma Jean Hyatt (Gene) Polo, MO; nine grandchildren; seven great grandchildren; dear friends: Georgia Primus, Judy Ogle, Loretta Gerber and Jean Somers; several other relatives and friends. In addition to her parents, Martha was preceded in death by one brother, Paul Holloway. Funeral services were held at 1:00 p.m. Thursday, April 7, 2011 in the Deerlick Baptist Church of Waynesville with Rev. Danny Graves and Rev. Gary Humphrey officiating. Pianist Georgia Primus accompanied Judith and Ivory Ogle as they sang “Do You Know My Jesus”. Soloist Becky Lercher sang “The Love of God” and Rev. Danny Graves sang “Show Me the Cross”. Serving as escorts were Bob, Paul and Matt Laughlin, Marty Morgan II, Matt Eddings, Jeff Barrett and Jim Grier. Burial followed in the Deerlick Cemetery. Services were under the direction of Memorial Chapels and Crematory of Waynesvile/St. Robert. Memorial contributions may be made in memory of Martha Snelling to the Deerlick Baptist Church Building Fund and may be left at the funeral home.

Martha Dean Snelling

September 19, 1932 - April 5, 2011