Loretta Snelling

Loretta Snelling, 100, of Golden, passed away November 16, 2014.

She was born November 1, 1914 in Sioux Falls, South Dakota, the daughter of Albert and Anna (Heer) Weber. She was a graduate of Cathedral High School. She attended Augustana College. On November 8, 1943 she married Silas "Si" Snelling, of Richmond, Missouri.

Loret was truly a "battle maid", with the Godly characteristic of a victorious spirit. We rejoice with her and give thanks to God, that He always led her in triumphant victory and manifested through her the sweet fragrance that comes from knowing Him. Those that knew Loret, knew her generous spirit and her passion for sharing her beloved Jesus with people.

In addition to being a loving wife to Si for 71 years, a devoted mother and a blessed grandmother and great-grandmother, a beloved sister and a true friend, she was also a faithful and relentless prayer warrior, a committed worshiper, a trustworthy servant, a meticulous bookkeeper, a great cook, an accomplished seamstress, a classy decorator… and the list could go on.

But none of Loret's accomplishments meant as much as to her as her decision to accept Jesus' free gift of salvation and to fall deeply in love with Him, more and more as the years went by.

This is part of that story: Si and Loret endured many rough years during WWII and the Korean War and the decades after, including many physical moves in the Air Force. But no matter where they lived, Loret made each house a home, filling it with life and love and laughter. Her generosity was apparent with memories that abound of bags of groceries and clothing and goodies being packed and personally dropped off at orphanages or at widows' homes in the U.S.A, Germany and South America. The family table was usually graced by those who had no place else to go to, especially during the holidays.

In the 70's, Si and Loret developed a hunger for reading the WORD of God, the Bible. Loret fell more and more in love with the Jesus she was reading about. Not only could she not stop talking about Him, but she multiplied her efforts to pour herself out for others, just like Jesus did. She and Si opened their home for prayer meetings and Bible studies; many of you remember taking part in those precious times. Both Si and Loret devoted decades of service to the international Christian ministry their daughter Marilyn and son-in-law Michael founded, with Loret carefully reconciling the books each month. Si and Loret also established a food ministry, which operated out of their garage. Many of you took part in stocking the goods that were distributed or were recipients of Loret's blessing along with groceries.

During this time, Loret also developed a deep and abiding love for the Jewish people. One of her greatest joys was writing monthly tithes and offering checks, above all when the resources would be used to reach the Jew first, then also for the rest of the needy world. She discovered the BLESSING from the book of Numbers in the Old Testament. It then became her mission in life to pronounce that BLESSING upon anyone and everyone she came in contact with.

Loret seemed tireless in giving of herself for others. For years, she roasted almonds and then carried little bags of them wherever she went, distributing them here and there, along with stories of Jesus, His goodness and mercy and how much He (and she) loved each and every recipient. Many of you will remember this time of year when Loret would pore over Christmas cards, carefully selecting each one for the specific person who would receive it and writing a personal note customized as only she could do. And many of you will remember the crisp, brand-new "green stuff" which she included as her and Si's gift to you.

But no one was more aware than Loret that it was not her good works here on earth that were going to earn her a ticket to heaven. She simply gave of herself and her resources because of what Jesus had done for her – giving all of Himself, redeeming her from Adams's sin nature and giving her a Way back to Abba God, so that she would be able to live with Him and His family for all eternity.

Loret is alive today in the loving presence of Daddy God and His Beloved Son, Jesus. She stands as a beloved daughter of God Himself because of what Jesus did, not because of anything she did or did not do. Except to accept what Jesus had done for her. To accept His gift of salvation, freely offered, unmerited, undeserved and unearned. Her greatest desire would be for you to receive that gift from His hand too. And to rejoice with her in her heavenly home. Forever. And ever! Amen and Amen!

Loretta is survived by her husband of 71 years, two daughters, Marilyn Phillipps, Lynne Snelling; brother, Leonard Weber; four grandchildren, Cristine Arnold, Sean Snelling, Michael Phillipps, Jason Phillipps; six great-grandchildren, Luke Arnold, Jake Arnold, Christian Snelling, Kortney Snelling, Grace Phillipps, and Max Phillipps. She is preceded in death by her parents; brothers, Ray Weber, Clarence Weber, Walter Weber; and sisters, Margaret House, Eva Weber, Theresa Weber, and Mabel Becker.

Memorial contributions may be made to Cedarwood Christian Academy, 11430 East 19th Avenue, Aurora, CO 80010.

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