LaVada Marie Snelling

LaVada Marie Snelling, 94, passed away peacefully on Sunday, December 21, 2025–leaving behind a legacy of faith, love and devotion to family and community. She was known for her remarkable memory—especially when it came to sports, which she dearly loved. An avid OU football, KU basketball and K-State football fan (if they were winning), she could recall coaches and players with astonishing accuracy.

LaVada was born August 20, 1931, to Mearle and Steven R. Balch. She was the second born of twins (LaVerna Mae) on a farm in south Wichita, Kansas. Her younger brother, Gary, was a special person in her life.

LaVada attended South Riverside Grade School through eighth grade, then Roosevelt and graduated from Wichita East High in 1949.

LaVada married Owen P. Snow in 1951, with whom they had three daughters, Cathy Lynn, Cindy Marie, and Christy Jean. She worked in the President’s office at Oklahoma University for two years. After the girls were born the family moved several times ending in Wichita where she lived the rest of her life. They divorced in 1972.

During LaVada’s younger years she was quite involved in 4-H as a member and leader, receiving many awards. She enjoyed being active and working with children of all ages. In her adult life, LaVada became the Director of a technical training school, retiring in 1989.

She married Sylvan “Van” Snelling in 1981. They led an active lifestyle together through traveling extensively, working out at the gym, and staying involved in the church, where LaVada taught Sunday School to fifth and sixth graders for some thirty years. Additionally, one of her greatest joys was watching any of her “kids” play sports, whenever, wherever, and whatever. After Van’s passing in 2007, LaVada continued an active lifestyle while focusing on the things she most treasured: church and family, her yard and flowers. And, she felt so blessed being able to do so.

LaVada loved life, so enjoyed people and helping whenever she could. She always believed everything would be better tomorrow and kept a sense of humor. She will be remembered for her sharp mind, faithful heart, and deep love she gave so freely to her family and friends.

LaVada is preceded in death by her parents, brother, sister, and husband. She is survived by daughters, Cathy (Terry) Nesbit of Wichita, KS, Cindy (Chris) Harrold of Wichita, KS, Christy (Mike) Sponsel of Garden Plain, KS; step-sons, Michael Snelling, Brad (Leslie) Snelling; grandchildren, Tara Moon (Chad), Josh Nesbit (Emmy), Shelby Turner (Matt), Bryce Woods (Michelle), Jody Ellingson (Mike), Jammie Atkins (Michael), Christopher Sponsel (Madeline); step-grandchildren, Isaac Snelling, Samuel Snelling, Carly Sananikone; 19 great-grandchildren; 3 great-great-grandchildren and many nieces and nephews.

Visitation will be 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm, Monday, December 29, 2025, at Downing & Lahey West Mortuary. Funeral Service will be 11:00 am, Tuesday, December 30, 2025, Central Community Church Chapel. A memorial has been established with: His Helping Hands, Inc., 1441 East 37^th Street North, Wichita, Kansas 67219.

Services in care of Downing & Lahey West Mortuary.