Merna Lee Chance Snay, 99, died April 19, 2020. She was born in Kensington, Kansas on July 17, 1920 to parents William Jennings and Emma Amelia (Wachs) Chance. The family moved to Mount Hope, Kansas in 1935. Merna graduated from Mount Hope High School and she married Howard Snay in 1937. They were farmers in the Mount Hope and Haven area.
Merna was known for superb cooking especially fried chicken, and for winning many contests. She won trips to the Pillsbury bake-off several times. She loved her family and many friends. Merna was a member of the First Congregational Church in Haven and in her younger days, The Flying Needle Club of Mount Hope. She was a patriot and long-time member of the American Legion Auxiliary.
Merna was preceded in death by her husband, Howard in 2001; her brother, Bill Chance in 2008 and her sister, Ferne Brooks in 2014.
Merna is survived by her daughters and son-in-law, Marlyce Snay, Mary Ann and Fred Saenger, and Joyce Snay all of Hutchinson, KS.; sister-in-law, Joan Hunsberger Chance, Houston, TX.; seven grandchildren, Stephen Saenger, Kansas City, KS., Stephanie and Gary Telleen, Haven, KS., Barbara and Doug Seibel, Mauldin, SC., and Kendra and Jeff Bent, Austin, TX.; seven great-grandchildren, Rebecca and Isaiah Dowds, Rachel and Connor Siler, Sarah and Josh Hoover and John Telleen; and five great-great-grandchildren, Noah, Emma, Evie and Leah Dowds and Oliver Hoover.
The family would like to express a sincere thank you to everyone at Hester Care and Wesley Towers for their kind and loving care of Merna and her family.
Due to state mandates and the serious nature of COVID-19, the family will have a private celebration of Merna’s well-lived life. Interment will take place at Mount Hope Cemetery. At Merna’s request, memorials may be made to Reins of Hope or Haven Ambulance and sent in care of Ott Funeral Home, P.O. Box 217, Haven, KS. 67543.