Kathryn A. Snelling

Kathryn A. Snelling, 76, of Council Grove, Kansas passed away on October 25, 2024, surrounded by her loving family and friends. She was born on July 29, 1948, to John and Virginia (Hammett) Davis in Council Grove, Kansas.

She attended Council Grove High School until her senior year, she met her first husband, Phil Swisher. Kathy and Phil had their only child, John Swisher in 1966. In 1982, Kathy later married her soulmate and forever best friend Sergeant First Class (Retired U.S. Army) James (Jim) Snelling, a decorated Vietnam Combat Veteran. They were married for 29 years until death did, they part.

Kathy was an active and contributing member of the Council Grove Community. She found her passion for customer service through the food service industry, working as a waitress at the Saddle Rock Café which, eventually led to her opening her own restaurant, Kathy’s Kitchen. As a proud wife of her husband’s military service to this country, Kathy dedicated her time in 1995 to manage the American Legion. She held an active role in building the Neosho Riverwalk and from 2000-2006 she served as the Council Grove City Administrator. Kathy retired in Council Grove enjoying her time serving the community at the senior center.

Her family will fondly remember her love for Motown music, dancing, and her son’s fish fry. In true Kathy fashion, “John’s good ol’ fish fry.” She was an adventurous person who enjoyed traveling. In her free time, she would read novels, and diamond painting. Kathy cherished the memories with her family and friends, and loved full force her child, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. Through her lifetime her four-legged children Shu-Shu, Keta, and Little Bear brought endless joy to her life, and are all reunited now.

Kathy is preceded in death by her parents: John and Virginia Davis, and husband James (Jim) Snelling. She is survived by her son, John Swisher, of Council Grove; stepdaughter Melissa Brink; stepson Jimmy Snelling; brother Rick Davis (Rhonda), of Council Grove; grandchildren: Jennifer Swisher, of Topeka, Tiarra Lambert (Tim), of Junction City, Kallie Reed (Spencer), of Admire and Jaycie Wallenberg (Cole), of Le-Roy; great-grandchildren: Mehkia, Julian, and Tessa as well as numerous nieces and nephews.

A celebration of Kathy’s life will be held at 11 a.m., Saturday, November 9, 2024, at Community Christian Church. Memorial contributions may be made to Meals on Wheels and/or Friends Helping Friends. They may be sent in care of Sawyer Funeral Home, P.O. Box 273, Council Grove, KS 66846.

To leave a special message for the family online, please visit www.sawyerchapel. com.