Sneller, Marie Jenneveve (Lankford) 1922-2006

SNELLER, LANKFORD, BINGAMAN, DE VOS

Posted By: volunteer (email)
Date: 7/29/2006 at 20:48:10

Marie Jenneveve Lankford was born on November 25, 1922, to George and Janette (Bingaman) Lankford in Pleasant Township, Marion County, Iowa. She graduated from Knoxville High School in 1941.

Genevieve, as she was known, was united in marriage with Jess De Vos, Jr. on January 14, 1945, and to this union two children were born: Janice Marie and Kenneth Wayne. Jess was killed on June 18, 1960 as a result of a tractor accident.

She met Gerrit Sneller, Jr., who had also lost a spouse and they shared their joy and loss together. Four years later they were married on February 2, 1964. With this marriage, two families were blended into one. Genevieve worked as a cook in the Pella Commmunity Schools for many years, retiring in 1985. She also cooked for the senior congregate meals and volunteered at Work of Our Hands.

Genevieve was striken with Alzheimer's Disease and was faithfully attended to by her dear husband Gerrit, until her health required more advanced care and she became a resident of the Long Term Care Unit of the Pella Regional Health Center.

Genevieve passed away peacefully on June 17, 2006, at the Hospice of Pella Comfort House at the age of 83 years, six months and 22 days. She survived by her faithful husband Gerrit Sneller , Jr., and their large blended family.

Of her original family, Genevieve leaves her sisters, Irene and her husband Loren Davis of Hamilton, IA and Myrtle and Philip Simmoens of Sandyville, IA. Of her husband Gerrit's family she leaves Carrie Breen and Ed Goemaat both of Pella, and his sister-in-law, Marge Sneller of Jefferson City, MO. Of her husband Jess De Vos's family she leaves his siblings, Don and Theda De Vos and Darlene (Paul) De Vos, all of Rogers, AR, Harold and Tommalee De Vos of Cedar Rapids, Richard and Karen De Vos, Dena May Deitrick, Lu Etta and her husband Earl Martinache, Doris Smith, Dorothy Friday, all of Knoxville, IA and Emma Jean Chapman of Des Moines.

She was preceded in death by her first husband, Jess De Vos, Jr., her parents, Gerrit's son, Steve Sneller who died in January of 1998, her brother Roy Lankford, her sister Cleo May Lankford, and three granddaughters Kelby Jess, Kathy Celia and Kaylene Marie De Vos.

Genevieve was a faithful member of the Church of the Open Bible in Pella; where she was active in the Dorcas Circle and Women's World Fellowship (WWF). She loved flowers! Her family will remember her diligent work raising flowers in her gardens, especially her roses. She loved her home and those who came to visit, particularly her grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

For those desiring, memorials may be designated for Hospice of Pella.

The Pella Chronicle, July 6, 2006