Kathryn Anne Snelling

Kathryn A. Snelling, 76, of Council Grove, Kansas passed away on October 25, 2024. She was born on July 29, 1948 in Council Grove and was the daughter of John and Virginia (Hammett) Davis. She attended Council Grove High School and married Phil Swisher in 1966. They had one son, John J. Swisher. In 1982, Kathy 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 Council Grove Community. She found her passion for customer service through the food industry, working as a waitress at the Saddlerock Cafe throughout her teenage years which eventually led to opening her own restaurant in Council Grove, Kathy’s Kitchen. In 1995, as a proud wife of her husband’s military service, Kathy assumed management of the Council Grove American Legion. From 2000-2006, she served as the Council Grove City Administrator at which time she played an active role in building the Neosho Riverwalk. After retiring in Council Grove, she continued to serve the community by managing the Senior Center’s food service.

Her family will fondly remember her love for Motown music, dancing, and her son’s fish fries. She was an adventurous person who enjoyed traveling. In her free time, she loved to read novels and, later in life, took up diamond painting. Kathy cherished memories with her family and friends and loved full-force her son, John, her grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. She also loved Shu-Shu, Keta and Lil’ Bear, her four legged- children. These beloved pets brought endless joy to her life, and they are all reunited now.

Kathy is preceded in death by her parents: John and Virginia Davis, and husband James (Jim) Snelling. She 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 Wollenberg (Cole), of LeRoy; great-grandchildren: Mehkia, Julian, and Tessa as well as numerous nieces and nephews and cherished friends.

A celebration of Kathy’s life will be held at 11:00 a.m., Saturday, November 9, 2024, at the Council Grove Community Christian Church. Memorials 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.