Sutton resident Ernie L. Snell, 89, passed away Monday, Oct. 14, 2024, at the Sutton Community Home in Sutton.

Funeral services were at 2 p.m., Friday, Oct. 18, 2024, at the Federated Church in Sutton, with Pastor Edison Toe officiating. Interment followed at the Saron Lutheran Cemetery near Saronville. Memorial contributions may be directed to the family to be designated later. Condolences may be left at www. suttonmemorial.com. Ernest Leland Snell was born to Charles and Verna (Tillbury) Snell March 30, 1935. Ernest was one of nine children who were all raised around the Lawrence area. Ernest graduated from Lawrence Public Schools. On Feb. 4, 1956, he was united in marriage to Ronalda (Anderson) Snell. From this marriage, two daughters were born. Ronalda passed away Oct. 11, 2013.

Ernest spent his working years at Dutton Lainson in Hastings. He also spent a few years working for the Hastings Utilities Department. Among those jobs, he also farmed and raised cattle. In his spare time, Ernest enjoyed playing cards, especially pitch and bridge. He also enjoyed many years of camping at the Nebraska State Fair and enjoyed a good round of golf at Fox Hollow in Sutton. He was also a member of the Sutton Lions Club and was a member of the Sutton Federated Church.

During the Christmas season, Ernest played the role of Santa for the community of Sutton. He also showed his Christmas spirit by decorating the large pine tree in the front lawn of their Saronville home with Christmas lights which could be seen from miles around.

On Sept. 5, 2014, Earnest was united in marriage to Leota Urbauer. From this marriage, four more children were added to the family: Lon (Pam), Jeff (Ramona), Rod, and Joleen (Bill). Ernest and Leota spent the next 10 years of life together. They both resided at the Sutton Assisted Living and Nursing Home since Feb. 25, 2023.

Ernest is survived by his wife, Leota Snell of Sutton; daughters, Cindy Iliff of Lincoln and Julie Zimmerman of Aurora; stepchildren: Lon (Pam) Urbauer of Edgar, Jeff (Ramona) Urbauer of Athens, GA, Rod Urbauer of Sutton, and Joleen (Bill) Billingham of Wheaton, IL; grandchildren: Nick Anderson of Lincoln, Bryce (Ashley) Iliff of Lincoln, Nicole Fisher of Aurora, and Colt (Britt) Andrews of Mercer Island, WA; great-grandchildren Trevin and Keira Anderson, Makensie and Micah Fisher, and Emma Andrews. He is also survived by his brother Ray (Penny) Snell of Hastings.

Ernest is preceded in death by his wife, Ronalda Snell; infant granddaughter, Kaysie Lane Andrews; parents, Charles and Verna Snell; son-in-law, Vernon Iliff, and siblings: Walter Snell, Dan Snell, Glenn Snell, Verna Blau, Marie Fischer, Lola Benker, and Genevieve Blau.