Elinor G. Snelson

Elinor G. Snelson, a cherished resident of Cuba, Missouri, was born on March 15, 1930, in Oak Hill, Missouri. She departed from this world on March 29, 2025, at the age of 95, surrounded by the love of family at Mercy Hospital in Springfield, Missouri.

A woman of remarkable spirit and dedication, Elinor devoted many years to her work as a tractor and parts salesperson at her father’s business, Rector Tractor Sales. Her leadership and commitment shone brightly during her fifteen years of service as the City Clerk of Cuba.

Known for her selflessness, she generously volunteered at the Cuba Senior Center, where her warmth and kindness touched everyone around her. An esteemed member and elder of the First Presbyterian Church of Cuba, Elinor also contributed her talents to various community entities, serving on the Cuba Park Board, the Crawford County R2 School Board, and the Crawford County Fair Board.

Elinor’s adventurous heart was evident throughout her life; her zest for exploration led her to travel widely and, even in her nineties, she embraced the thrill of riding a mule down the Grand Canyon with her sister Glenda. Her indomitable spirit served as an inspiration to all who knew her.

Elinor is preceded in death by her beloved parents, Harvey and Gracie (Souders) Rector; her husband, Earl “Bill” Snelson; her sisters, Norma and husband Walt Daehn and Mable and husband Emmett McCune; as well as her brothers-in-law, Gary Warnhoff and John Apperson.

She leaves behind a loving family who treasures her memory, including her devoted daughter, Debbie and husband David Scheiderer; her cherished granddaughter, Katherine Scheiderer; and her great-grandchildren, Madison, Mollie, Maddox, and Miles, all of Springfield, Missouri. Additionally, she is survived by her two sisters, Glenda Warnhoff of Ashland and Virginia Apperson of Granite City, Illinois, along with numerous nieces, nephews, great-nieces, great-nephews, and a circle of dear friends.

Visitation will take place on Friday, April 4, 2025, from 5 to 8 p.m. at Mizell Funeral Home. A funeral service honoring her life will be held on Saturday, April 5, 2025, at 10:30 a.m., with Pastor Todd Holman officiating. Elinor will be laid to rest at Meramec Hills Cemetery in Cuba, Missouri.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that memorial contributions be made to St. Jude Children's Hospital, located at 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105, or online at stjude.org.

The Mizell Funeral Home of Cuba takes great pride in serving the family of Elinor G. Snelson, whose legacy of love and adventure will forever remain in the hearts of those who knew her.