LaDonne Kay Snavely

LaDonne Kay Snavely of Farmington, Missouri, entered into her heavenly home after passing away suddenly on July 19, 2025, at the age of 84 years old. She was born October 3, 1940, in Pekin, Illinois. She was the first child born to Frederick “Fritz” and Hazel (Waldon) Bender of Manito, Illinois.

LaDonne is survived by her daughters, Sheri Hickey and husband Brian, of Farmington and Susie Sippel and husband Chris, of Oakville. Grandchildren, Colin Hickey and wife Brylee, Alyssa Hickey, and Matthew Sippel. Great-grandchildren, Easton Hill, Kenzie Nausley, and Maverick Hickey.

She is also survived by her sister, Bonnie Urish, Brother-in-laws Chuck Snavely and wife Ann, and Bill Snavely and wife Kay, along with several nieces and nephews, great nieces and great nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents, her brother, Bob Bender, and her sister Joy Bender. Three short years ago, her husband, James Snavely also passed away unexpectedly.

Jim and LaDonne were united in marriage on July 22, 1962, and had 59 wonderful years together. We feel that LaDonne wanted to spend their 63rd Anniversary with Jim.

Aside from being a fantastic wife and partner, she was the best Mom two girls could have. She was always the helping hand, and had a servant’s heart. She truly believed many hands make light work. Our mother’s smile is what most of her friends say they will miss the most. She had one for everyone she met.

She was active as an insurance agent along with Jim at Snavely Shelter Insurance. She was a 50+ year member of the Order of Eastern Star in Celestial City Chapter 333, Pekin, IL and Mineral Chapter 260, Desloge, MO. She traveled many miles around the state, with Jim for his Masonic events, as well as Job’s Daughters International functions with their daughters and their friends.

She was also very involved with the General Federation of Women’s Clubs. GFWC was a huge part of her life's work; at one time, she was a member of all 3 GFWC Clubs in Farmington, but will be terribly missed by the GFWC Monday Club of Farmington. She was the GFWC of Missouri State President from 2006-2008 and the Mississippi Valley Region President from 2016-2018. Our current State President said GFWC of Missouri has lost an icon.

LaDonne loved music and played the piano and the pipe organ from a young age. One of the dearest things in her life was being able to teach songs in music class at The Growing Room Preschool. She played music and taught songs there for over 20 years. LaDonne was a lifelong Methodist and was a member of the Memorial United Methodist Church. She was active in her Sunday School Class, The Pairs & Spares, and her United Women in Faith Circle.

She will be missed by all who knew and loved her. Her daughters promise to always remember who we are and where we came from.

Visitation will be Saturday, July 26, 2025, from 1:00-4:00 pm, at Cozean Funeral Home 217 W. Columbia St. Farmington, MO, with OES service beginning at 2:30pm. The funeral services will be Sunday, July 27, 2025, at Memorial United Methodist Church, 425 North St. Farmington, MO, with visitation resuming at 1:00pm, and the service will begin at 2:00pm. Internment will be held privately on Monday, July 28, at Hillview Memorial Gardens. 

Memorials can be made to Growing Room Preschool Memorial United Methodist Church-memo LaDonne Snavely, or to GFWC of Missouri, Inc. Dr. Susan Gettys, 3144 E. Topping Circle Springfield, MO 65804

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