John "Jack" Snell

Jack Snell, age 83, passed away at Kittitas Valley Community Hospital, on March 16, 2012.

Jack was born September 14, 1928 to Ed Y. and Frances Lauderdale Snell in Tacoma, Washington. The family lived in the Lauderdale Lodge at the Lauderdale Junction in the Swauk area of Kittitas County. The family moved to Ellensburg in 1933 and started their farming operation.

Jack attended Lourdes Academy, Ellensburg High School, and Washington State University. Following graduation, he taught agriculture and farm shop in Orting and Ellensburg High Schools before joining his parents on their dairy farm on Tjossem Road, in Ellensburg, until retiring in 1994. Jack was active in 4-H, FFA, local and state dairy organizations, and also served on the Fair and Town Ditch boards. He was a life member of the American Jersey Cattle Association.

Jack married Louise Lancaster February 17, 1996 in Ellensburg, Washington. They lived in their Rosewood home and traveled all fifty states and cruised much of the world including Alaska, England, Scotland, the Panama Canal, the Mediterranean and Baltic Seas, European rivers, the Caribbean, and Hawaii. Louise preceded him in death in February 2008.

Jack was actively involved at St. Andrew’s Catholic Church, and served as the head of the building committee for the new church in 1980. He was an Honorary Life Member of the Knights of Columbus.

He enjoyed caring for their yard and flowers, and playing bridge and pinochle with friends at the Senior Center and Rosewood. He volunteered at the Chamber of Commerce and RSVP. Jack especially loved caring for his tomato plant.

Jack is survived by his sister, Nona D’Anna in Marietta, GA; sister-in-law, Lorain Snell, Olympia, WA; stepchildren, Yvonne (Jerry) Van Winkle, Orondo, WA; Thom (Peggy) Lancaster, Cashmere, WA; Joyce (Mike) Dunn, Republic, WA; Jeanne Lancaster, Ellensburg, WA; Paula Simmons, Wenatchee, WA; Michael (Penny Orwick) Lancaster, Missoula, MT; and fourteen nieces and nephews. Brothers Bill, Tom, and sister, Ednell, preceded him in death.

Recitation of the Rosary will be at 5:30 p.m. Friday at St. Andrew’s Catholic Church. Viewing will be from 1-4p.m. Friday at Steward & Williams Tribute Center.

Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11a.m. Saturday at St. Andrew’s Catholic Church in Ellensburg, WA. Internment will follow at Holy Cross Catholic Cemetery in Ellensburg. Suggested family donations may be made to Hospice Friends or Washington State University Foundation,

Arrangements are under the care of Steward & Williams Tribute Center in Ellensburg, WA. To leave an online condolence to the family, please visit our website at www.steward-williams.com.

Jack requested The Prayer of St. Francis music during his service. St. Francis was his Confirmation Saint.