12/7/2008
Helen L. (Keller) Sneller (82) died peacefully at Taylor House Hospice in Des Moines on December
7, 2008. Funeral services will be at 10:30 a.m. Friday, December 12 at Hamilton’s Southtown
Funeral Home. Visitation will be from 5:00 to 7:30 p.m. on Thursday, December 11, at Hamilton’s Southtown Funeral Home.
Helen was born on January 28, 1926, to Lester
and Mabel Keller in Plover, Iowa. Her childhood years were spent in Ackworth, Iowa where she attended grade school. She then went to Indianola schools and attended her final year of high school in Knoxville where she graduated in 1943. After graduation, she worked for the State Employment Service.
She met Jacob Sneller and they were married on September 21, 1945. After his discharge from the Navy in February 1946, they moved to the Des Moines area. They had two children, Marcia and Joe. Helen was a stay-at-home mom and also was active in church activities, PTA, and volunteer work. She was a member of the Indianola unit of the American Legion Auxiliary. In 1960 she began working in the office of W. P. Johnson Company / Steelworks and continued until she retired in 1996.
Helen belonged to Beta Sigma Phi sorority, several bridge clubs, and the Red Hat Society. She enjoyed sewing and needlework. Helen also volunteered
at the State Historical Library. Her family and friends will never forget her caring
nature and the joy she brought to us. She had a way about her that made all that
knew her feel at home and cared for. Helen’s sincere interest in the lives and children
of those she knew fulfilled her life as well as the lives of those who were blessed
enough to know her.
Whether it was for a moment or for a lifetime, Helen will be deeply missed by all that crossed her path. Helen is survived by her two children Marcia (Doug) Ohde of Des Moines and Joe (Debra) Sneller of Lincoln, Nebraska, and four grandchildren Laura (Todd) Price of Glenview Illinois, Mark (Amy) Ohde of Symrna,
Georgia, Andy (Hannah) Sneller of Omaha, Nebraska, Lindsay (Mike) Kelly of Lincoln, Nebraska, and three great-grandchildren Cassidy Price, Allison Ohde, and Ryan Ohde.
She is also survived by her brother Max (Freda) Keller of Indianola. She was preceded in death by her parents and husband, Jake. The family would like to thank the staff
at Mill Pond Retirement Community for their friendship and loving care. She was happy and content living there.
Memorials are requested to be made to Mill Pond
Retirement Community in Ankeny or to Westminster Presbyterian Church in Des Moines. www.HamiltonsFuneralHome.com