Una Snowbarger

It is with heavy hearts and profound gratitude for a life well-lived that we share the passing of Una Snowbarger, a beloved wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and friend. Una peacefully departed this world in her sleep on April 24, 2026, with her devoted husband by her side. She was 87 years old. Born on January 26, 1939, at home near Mankato, Kansas, Una was the youngest daughter of Luther “Ira” and Ethel Powell. She grew up surrounded by the love of her parents and siblings: Lorraine (Frye), Phyliss (Soliday), Alice (McMurray), and Barney (Powell), all of whom preceded her in death. Una was a bright and diligent student, graduating from Burr Oak High School in May 1957. She pursued her passion for home economics at Bethany Nazarene College (now Southern Nazarene University), where she graduated with a Bachelor’s degree in 1961. It was at BNC that Una met the love of her life, Wendell. The two shared an enduring love story that spanned 65 beautiful years. They married on January 20, 1961, and together they built a family rooted in faith and love. Wendell survives her and continues to cherish the countless memories they created together. Una is survived by her three loving sons: Mark and Julie Snowbarger (Joplin, MO), Randy and his late wife Lorie Snowbarger (Gladstone, MO), and Jeff and Theresa Snowbarger (Paso Robles, CA). She was a devoted grandmother to six grandchildren: Josh, Andrei, Ekaterina, Jeffrey (Elisa), Amanda Carrillo (Roman), and Jared (Grace), who all carry forward her legacy of kindness and compassion. Her family also includes two great-grandchildren, RJ and Theo, whom she cherished in her later years. A dedicated servant of the Lord, Una's life was a testament to her unwavering faith. She had a passion for local and world missions and while not in the military many have said she was a prayer warrior in the Lord’s Army, touching countless lives with her selfless service, hospitality, wisdom and humility. Una was a committed member of the Nazarene Church, where she was known not only for her musical talents as a pianist and organist but also as a Sunday School teacher, church board member and the Kansas District Church of the Nazarene Missions President. Una's career path reflected her nurturing, giving spirit and her love for music and missions. She taught elementary school before dedicating her time to raising her three sons. Also operating a daycare in their home, fostering a loving environment for many children. Her professional journey continued at Johnson Music Store in Hutchinson, KS, before she transitioned to educating/encouraging childcare providers through the Childcare Link Program for the state of Kansas. Those who knew Una remember her as a woman of remarkable hospitality. Her home was always open, her kitchen filled with the aromas of her famous breakfast casserole, chicken and noodles, breakfast puffs, peppernuts, sweet pickles, and Oyster soup, a Christmas Eve tradition on the Powell side. Her motto, "I'd rather have a big grocery bill than doctor bills," reflected her belief in the power of nourishing the body and soul. The family extends their heartfelt thanks to everyone for their love, prayers, and support. They are especially grateful to the caregivers at Primrose and the Hospice team at Elara Caring for their compassionate care in Una's final days. Though Una will be deeply missed, we find solace in the knowledge that she is finally “home” now and reunited in heaven with family and friends that have gone on before and in the presence of her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. Her physical body may have worn out, but she kept her sweet smile and her spirit grew stronger each day, embodying the truth of 2 Corinthians 4:16-17. “Therefore, we do not lose heart. Though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day. For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us and eternal glory that far outweighs them all”. A “party” to celebrate Una’s life will be held on Sat. May 23, 2026, from 1:00 pm to 4:00 pm at Primrose Retirement Community in Kansas City. Friends and family are invited to join in this remembrance at 8559 N Line Creek Pkwy, Kansas City, where stories and memories of Una will be shared in an open house format.