Louise Snow

Mildred Louise Snow passed away peacefully in Hanford at the home of Lara Allen, her grandchild on March 29. She was born to Leo Nordman and Brackie Eads in Hewitt, Oklahoma on May 26, 1927. Mom was proud she grew up in Healdton, Oklahoma and visited often. Mom used to say about the Nordman family’s Grapes of Wrath adventure was that people thought they were rich because they had two mattresses on the roof of the car. Shortly after the family arrived in Delano, she met a young man named Ray Snow. Their marriage resulted in four boys Randall, Russell, Richard and Roger born from 1948 to 1952. She was always known for her common sense raising her four boys. She was very proud of her boys! And then she loved all of her daughters-in-laws!

Another “El Rancho Mom’ is gone, leaving their legacies on the subdivision east of Hanford behind the first Me-N-Eds in Hanford. Always there after the games of Hanford High and remember Dad only one time needing to let someone know he was an officer and had ID and where was theirs. One of her toughest times was when son Randy was in Vietnam. Ray and Louise made a hurried trip to San Francisco with tears in their eyes upon his early discharge. Three of the sons also went on to long law enforcement careers.

Although her first job was a waitress, she later earned her Associates Degree and went on to start working at Fresno County Library, then over 30 years in educational libraries (Lemoore High, Kings River Elementary, West Hills College). At Lemoore High, she was an unofficial Counselor helping many students deal with young adult life. She retired from Lemoore High School undefeated as Arm Wrestling Champion defeating many high school football players in the process (to the chagrin of many). Louise remembered most every student who visited her libraries and called most by name years later when paths crossed again.

Mom was very proud to be a CHP wife and made many friends with the other wives. Mom took great care of Dad when he retired from the CHP from a disability. Mom also served on the Kings County Senior Senate, Kings County Grand Jury and the Board of Directors for the Kings County Commission on Aging, also serving as a Volunteer Ombudsman. Mom received the Kings County Peace Officer Special Recognition Award in 1976 for her contributions to law enforcement for supporting her husband and three sons.

There were plenty of times she was needed at home to referee fights. . And we all knew if she said, “wait till your Dad comes home”, she meant it. And Dad always did take care of it. Mom went above and beyond during this time as Dad was patrolling the roads of Kings County all hours of night and day and during holidays, birthdays and school events etc. and while he was away representing the CHP Officers statewide as President of the CAHP in Sacramento. Dad’s Nephrologist credited Mom with extending Dad’s life with her loving care and cooking. We now have her voice joining Dad’s with advice from Heaven in our ears.

Preceding Louise in death were parents Leo Nordman and Brackie Eads, Husband Ray Snow; brothers George and Doyle Nordman; sisters Wanda Philpot and Nancy Pattinelli; daughter-in-law Jamie Snow; grandson Nicholas Snow; and dear longtime close friends Katherine Vierra and Opal Herrin.

Surviving family includes her sisters Ruth Nordman and Patsy Garcia and brother Harvey Nordman; sons Randall (Linda), Russell (Bonny), Richard (LaDonna) and Roger. Grandchildren she always loved and supported were Darla, Holly, Jacob, Trisha, Kristen, Justin, Kindra, Kaylene, Lara and Kari. 21 Great Grandchildren, 5 Great Great Grandchildren and one more on the way.

And finally, many thanks to Dr Soloniuk-Tays, her NP Wendy Batchelor, Dr. Reddy, Dr. Araim and Sojourn Hospice for their excellent care of Mom. Special thanks to Jay Rubalcava and People’s Funeral Chapel.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Louise Snow’s name to the California Association of Highway Patrolmen Widows and Orphans Trust Fund P.O. Box 161209 Sacramento, CA 965816-1209.

Visitation will be at People’s Funeral Chapel 501 N Douty St Hanford on Tuesday 4/16 from 6 – 9 pm. Funeral services will be Wednesday 4/17 at 10 am also at People’s, followed by Graveside services at Grangeville Cemetery 10428 14th Ave Armona. Reception to follow at Hanford Fraternal Hall 1015 N 10th Ave Hanford. Please join the family in remembering Mom as she would want.