Beth Snowden

Clara "Beth" Snowden passed away on September 22, 2025, in Lee's Summit, Missouri. Born on June 27, 1931, in Billings, Missouri, Beth lived a life filled with purpose, dedication, and a commitment to uplifting others through education and service.

Beth pursued her education with great determination, graduating from Rich Hill High School before earning her Master’s degree in counseling from Central Missouri State University (CMSU). Her career as a math teacher spanned many years, and she later transitioned into her role as a guidance counselor for the Independence School District. She was known for her outgoing personality and passion for helping others, particularly her students, demonstrating a profound commitment to their success and well-being. Beth’s dedication to her work was recognized through her contributions to Southwest Baptist University, where she was awarded the Life Service Award for her commitment to helping students. The friendships she formed at the university were enduring, culminating in a tradition of attending homecoming events annually until age and circumstances made travel impossible. It was during her time as a student at SBU that she met Clay, her loving husband, with whom she shared over fifty wonderful years together.

Beyond her professional achievements, Beth was a founding member of Susquehanna Baptist Church, where she attended for many years. Following her move to John Knox, she embraced her new community and became actively involved in the functions of First Baptist Church of Lee's Summit, where her spirit of service continued to shine brightly. Beth enriched her life and the lives of those around her with a variety of hobbies and interests. She made many friends at John Knox, bonding over card games and social gatherings. A talented baker, her fudge, candy, and banana bread were legendary. Beth also enjoyed photography, sewing, gardening, preserving through canning, and reading a good book. An enthusiast of American history, she cherished visits to presidential libraries and traveling across the states with her family during her children’s younger years.

Beth's passing is preceded by her parents, Clarissa and John Toppass; her beloved husband, Clay Snowden; her son, Johnathan Snowden; and her siblings, John Toppass and Elaine Riney. Her legacy lives on through her children, Carol Hensley (Nelson), Lyndell Snowden (Mary), and Glenn Snowden; her grandchildren, Keeler Snowden, Asher Snowden, Hazel Snowden, Selah Snowden, Jason Snowden, Jeremy Snowden, Jamie Cissell, Kelsey Hensley, Kristy Hensley, and Shawn Snowden; twelve great-grandchildren; and her brother, Oscar Toppass.

Visitation will be held on September 25, 2025, from 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM at First Baptist Church of Lee's Summit, located at 2 NE Douglas St, Lee's Summit, MO 64063. A funeral service will follow on September 26, 2025, at 10:00 AM. Her family will have a private graveside service at Mt. Washington Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in her memory to the Missouri Baptist Children's Home.