Lifelong Howard County resident, Marie Snell, age 88, passed away peacefully at her home on December 20, 2025, surrounded by her loving family.

Jewell Marie Snell, affectionately known by her middle name, Marie, was born in Howard County, MO on December 27, 1936.  She was one of two girls born to the late George Wallace Hammond and Nellie Mae (Hughes) Hammond Swearingen.  Marie attended Dudgeon Elementary School and later graduated from Fayette High School with the class of 1953.  On August 15 1954, Marie married the love of her life, Leland Duane Snell, at Linn Memorial United Methodist Church in Fayette.  The couple enjoyed over 53 years of marriage, and under this union shared three loving children.  Duane preceded Marie in death on January 19, 2008.

Jewell Marie enjoyed all things family, but above all doing anything with her husband of 53 years, Duane.  She liked antiquing, refinishing furniture and helping her children with any project.  She loved going to band concerts and the sporting events of her kids and grandkids.  Marie enjoyed playing tennis, watching tennis and listening to Bott Christian Radio. In more recent years, Marie could be found mowing the yard with her John Deere and enjoying flowers, birds and good conversations on the front porch.  She was a constant in a busy world, always generous with her wisdom, time, and talents.  Marie loved her Lord and was a lifelong faithful member of Moniteau Chapel Church.

Survivors include her three children, Jacqueline (Gregg) Nesbitt of Kirksville, MO, Lynette (Kevin) Beeler of Fayette, MO and Christopher (Lori) Snell of Ballwin, MO; 10 grandchildren: Kellen (Audrey) Nesbitt, Ryan (Kara) Nesbitt, Logan (Christina) Ball, Landon (Annie) Ball, Lane (Chloe) Ball, Jordyn Ball, Natalie Snell, Lauren Snell, Nathan Snell and Julia Snell.  She is also survived by 11 great-grandchildren.  In addition to her husband and parents, Marie was preceded in death by her sister, Helen Joan Hammond Moon.

A funeral service celebrating the life of Mrs. Snell will be 2 PM, Friday, December 26, 2025, at Friemonth-Freese Funeral Home in Fayette, with Pastor Jamie Page officiating.  Burial will follow the service at Fayette City Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions are suggested to Moniteau Chapel Church (benefitting the Show-Me Christian Youth Home in Lamont, MO), c/o Friemonth-Freese Funeral Service, 174 Hwy. 5 & 240 N., Fayette, MO 65248.