Ernest Snell

Sutton resident Ernest "Ernie" L. Snell, 89, passed away Monday, Oct. 14, 2024, at the Sutton Community Home in Sutton, Neb.

His funeral was Friday, Oct. 18, 2024, at the Federated Church in Sutton with Pastor Edison Toe officiating. Interment was at the Saron Lutheran Cemetery near Saronville, Nebraska. Memorial contributions may be directed to the family to be designated later.

Ernest Leland Snell was born to Charles and Verna (Tillbury) Snell on March 30, 1935. Ernest was one of nine children who were all raised around the Lawrence area.

Ernest graduated from Lawrence Public Schools. On Feb. 4, 1956, he was united in marriage to Ronalda (Anderson) Snell. From this marriage, two daughters were born. Ronalda passed away on Oct. 11, 2013.

Ernest spent his working years at Dutton Lainsen in Hastings, Nebraska. He also spent a few years working for the Hastings Utilities Department. Among those jobs, he also farmed and raised cattle. In his spare time, Ernest enjoyed playing cards, especially Pitch and Bridge. He also enjoyed many years of camping at the Nebraska State Fair and enjoyed a good round of golf at Fox Hollow in Sutton. He was also a member of the Sutton Lions Club and was a member of the Sutton Federated Church.

During the Christmas season, Ernest played the role of Santa for the community of Sutton. He also showed his Christmas spirit by decorating the large pine tree in the front lawn of their Saronville home with Christmas lights which could be seen from miles around.

On Sept. 5, 2014, Earnest united in marriage to Leota Urbauer. From this marriage, four more children were added to the family Lon (Pam), Jeff (Ramona), Rod, and Joleen (Bill). Ernest and Leota spent the next 10 years of marriage together. They both resided at the Sutton Assisted Living and Nursing Home since February 25, 2023.

Ernest is survived by his wife, Leota Snell, of Sutton, daughters Cindy Iliff of Lincoln, Nebraska, Julie Zimmerman of Aurora, Nebraska, stepchildren Lon (Pam) Urbauer of Edgar, Jeff (Ramoma) Urbauer of Athens, Georgia, Rod Urbauer of Sutton, and Joleen (Bill) Billingham of Wheaton, Illinois. Grandchildren include Nick Anderson of Lincoln, Nebraska, Bryce (Ashley) Iliff of Lincoln, Nebraska, Nicole Fisher of Aurora, Nebrasla, and Colt (Britt) Andrews of Mercer Island, Washington. Great-grandchildren are Trevin and Keira Anderson, Makensie and Micah Fisher, and Emma Andrews. He is also survived by his brother, Ray (Penny) Snell of Hastings.

Ernest is preceded in death by his wife, Ronalda Snell' infant granddaughter, Kaysie Lane Andrews; parents Charles and Verna Snell; son-in-law, Vernon Iliff; and siblings, Walter Snell, Dan Snell, Glenn Snell, Verna Blau, Marie Fischer, Lola Benker and Genevieve Blau.