Ray B. Snelson

Ray B. Snelson, 82, of La Junta passed away Monday, August 22, 2011 peacefully at the Arkansas Valley Regional Nursing Care Center after battling a fight with cancer, he was surrounded by family. He was born August 31, 1928 in Pratt, Kansas to Pete & Roxa Jo (Parker) Snelson. He married Louise Johnson in 1950 in Raton, New Mexico.

Ray came to the Holbrook/Swink area as a young child and attended Swink High School. He served in the Korean War and was on the front line during many dangerous missions. He worked many years at the McKenzie Furniture Store and he later owned his own business Rays Antique Store for over 25 years.

He had a great love for antique cars, tractors and trucks. He was a Charter Member of the Southern Colorado Antique Classic Car Club. He was the Parade Marshall for the Early Settlers Day and received the Sunshine Award.

Ray never turned down the opportunity to give someone a hand by volunteering for meals on wheels and providing transportation for medical appointments to Pueblo and Denver. Ray was a member of the First Christian Church in La Junta. He loved to spend time with his family and especially enjoyed his grandchildren’s activities. He will be dearly missed.

Ray is survived by his wife Louise of the La Junta home; daughters Linda (Frank) Garrett of La Junta; Kathy (Gary) England of Littleton; Judy (Tyro) Elliot of Oregon; grandchildren Chad Seat of Frederick, CO; Suzette (Jason) Goecke of Frederick, CO; Kyle England of Littleton; sisters Ruth LeRoy of La Junta; Jane (Danny) Round of La Junta; numerous nieces and nephews also survived.  He was preceded in death by his parents, sisters, Helen Gasser and Joan Foster, infant grandson Kenneth Ray Seat.

Graveside services will be Wednesday, Aug. 24 2011, at 10:00 a.m. at Fairview Cemetery with Pastor Ron Skorick of the First Christian Church officiating. Military Honors will be performed by the Rocky Ford Rifle Team, American Legion Post #8.



Those wishing to do so may make memorial contributions to the Arkansas Valley Hospice, PO Box 408, La Junta, CO, 81050 or to the First Christian Church, 5th & Santa Fe Avenue, La Junta, CO, 81050 direct or through the funeral home.