Obituaries

Glenda Elizabeth Allen Snavely

Photo of Glenda  Elizabeth Allen Snavely
There was a joyous reunion in Heaven on January 7, 2021, when Glenda Elizabeth Allen Snavely, 77, was reunited with her beloved husband of 39 years Randell. Our precious mother, Gma, sister, aunt, and friend was embraced by her Lord and Savior Jesus Christ after peacefully leaving this world with her children by her side at her home of more than 50 years in Elm Springs, Ark. "For I know the one in whom I believed and I am sure that he is able to guard what I have entrusted to him until the day of his return." - 2 Timothy 1:12. Glenda was born on March 19, 1943, in Bethel Chapel, Ark. She was raised among a large extended family of Allens and McGaughs in El Dorado, Ark., before her family relocated across the state to Northwest Arkansas. She graduated from Rogers High School in 1962 and studied Home Economics at the University of Arkansas before marrying the love of her life Randell Snavely on July 3, 1964. She is preceded in death by her husband Randell, parents A.P. and Erlene Allen, and brother Don Allen. She is survived by her brother Bill Allen (Loretta) and "favorite" son Kevin Snavely (Deanna) of Elm Springs, her "favorite" daughter Kem Snavely Frost (Jared) of Overland Park, Kan., Grandchildren Kathryn Breedlove (Jared), Kyle Snavely (Abby), grand dogs Dewey, Wicket, Willy, Mia, and countless others who were touched by her loving and giving spirit. Everyone was welcomed in her home and at her table. As a talented seamstress and cake decorator, she was the "go-to" wedding planner before such a job existed. She turned miles of fabric and pounds of almond-flavored icing into many memorable days for happy couples over the years. She opened her home and heart to countless showers, parties and even a few weddings throughout the years. No one left Glenda's house hungry or without a smile and hug ‘round their neck. She was univocally dedicated to her God, her faith, and her church, serving as youth leaders with Randell, Sunday School teacher, church camp counselor, and nursery worker at Elm Springs Assembly of God. She supported and hosted the ministries of Youth with a Mission (YWAM), Disciples Now at Cross Pointe Church and a monthly bible study group from Ecclesia College. Before Randell passed, they traveled to Honduras on a construction mission trip and later was called to serve in Mexico with Christian Life Cathedral (CLC). Ms. Glenda loved and fed thousands of children during her 35-year career as a cafeteria manager for the Springdale Public Schools. When her youngest child entered kindergarten, Glenda went back to school too and started working at Tontitown Elementary. She went on to manage and run the cafeterias when schools like T.G. Smith and Willis Shaw Elementary opened. Her expertise was also shared across the state as an instructor for 20 years at Arkansas's Child Nutrition Manager Training School in Conway, Ark. Even after retiring, she returned annually to prepare appreciation lunches for other school workers and established a Randell Snavely Memorial Scholarship for cafeteria workers' children. Always in need of a project, person or a cause to help, once she retired she remained busy with volunteering at organizations including LifeSource International, Compassion House, Northwest Arkansas Children's Shelter, the Samaritan Shop, and the Nursing Home Ministries at the Maples. Her years of work with the feeding programs for LifeSource International was recognized with the "Volunteer of the Year" in 2014 and the "Hands of Martha" award in 2017. Somehow, she also managed to squeeze in travel time with friends and family throughout the years. The "Silver Foxes" were a group of gray-haired ladies who traveled across the state to attend her grandkids' activities, music shows in Branson and lots of "junkin" trips to Texas. Fun family trips included Thanksgiving at Disney World and beach wedding trips to the Caribbean and Florida. She also was able to mark off an Alaskan Cruise and visits to Niagara Falls, London, and Paris from her bucket list. The legacy of her gift of hospitality will live on through her recipes that were prepared with love, the gardens she carefully tended, the lasting impact of her servant's heart, and the library of memories she leaves with us. Although she will be missed beyond measure, her love and smile will never be forgotten. She blessed multitudes of hearts. After a private family graveside ceremony, the family will host a Celebration of Life Service on January 23, 2020, at 10 a.m., at Cross Pointe Church in Tontitown, Ark. If you are comfortable attending, please wear her favorite color pink and a mask for the socially distanced service. In lieu of flowers, you can make donations to the Snavely Endowment through the Assemblies of God Financial Solutions (3900 S. Overland Ave, Springfield, Mo., 65807- Acct. 2343) that supports missionaries or "be like Glenda" and give of your time to your favorite charitable organization. Online condolences www.WestfieldChapel.com.

Published January 10, 2021

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