Gaylene Kay Snell, 75, of York, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, Nov. 15, 2016 after spending her last days in the care of her family.

She was born Dec. 3, 1940, on the family farm in Elsie, to Henry and Christiana Olson. Gaylene graduated from Elsie High School after being crowned the Perkins County Dairy Princess. She went on to attend Kearney State College and obtain a teaching certificate. While at Kearney State, Gaylene met her husband, Laurence (Larry) Snell. They were married in Kearney on Nov. 7, 1959 and enjoyed 54 years of marriage.

Gaylene lived the life of a faithful and tireless servant as a wife, mother, restaurant and business manager, and church volunteer. She was known by many as an amazing cook, whether providing for her family at home, a meal at one of her restaurants, or soup and pie at the many soup suppers at church. She could take the simplest ingredients and turn them into a delicious meal. There was always an abundance of food in her home and at family gatherings because she loved baking and making everyone's favorites, including homemade birthday cakes decorated to reflect her children's current interests.

In addition to cooking, Gaylene spent countless hours gardening, canning, and sewing to provide for her family and others. Gaylene found great joy in spoiling her grandchildren, whether it was making chocolate chip pancakes, keeping a stock of crafts and toys on hand, buying clothes, or shopping hours for meaningful and fun Christmas gifts.

In retirement, Gaylene and Larry looked forward to attending grandchildren's sporting and school events, watching Husker athletics, bird watching in their backyard and enjoying the variety of flowers planted by them and others. Gaylene will also be missed because she was a prayer warrior for her family and friends, she taught and encouraged others to persevere through trials, and she kept her spirit, smile and positive attitude to the very end.

Gaylene is survived by her children, Kevin Snell, Debora (Dwight) Hansen, Kimberly (David) Blaser, Denise (Tim) Brown, Kerry Snell, Darcy (Gary) Arnold and Kurt Snell; grandchildren, Alexis, Seth and Zach Snell, Derek (Carrie) Hansen, Brock, Jordan, and Caleb Hansen, Christina (Josh) Rausch, Jesse and Nick Blaser, Tyler and Kyle Brown, Grayson and Macy Arnold, and Kirsten and Ashton Snell; great-grandchildren, Joslyn, Nora and Kellen Hansen and Baby Rausch to be born in March. Gaylene also leaves a sister, Joyce (Lloyd "Hugo") Walker; two brothers, Francis (Diane) Olson and Mark (Sheila) Olson; sisters-in-law, Thelma Hauschild of Papillion and Jean Olson of Denver and a host of loving cousins, nieces, nephews and friends.

Gaylene was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Larry; grandson, Adam Hansen; brother, Lewis Olson and sister and brother-in-law, Lavilla and Marvin Quandt.
Gaylene's wishes were to donate her body for medical research and have a private family burial.

To celebrate and honor Gaylene's life, she would want you to spend time with family, cheer on the Huskers, plant flowers to bloom in the spring, and most of all, trust in Jesus as your personal Savior and worship and serve Him.

York News Times 22, November 2016