Leona LaVerne Snellen DeBrine Northway

Leona LaVerne Snellen DeBrine Northway, age 97 years, of Jefferson City, Mo., passed away Monday, June 1, 2020, at Jefferson City Manor. She was born on July 8, 1922, in Elston, Mo., the daughter of Arch Thomas and Leona (Tripp) Thomas Backers. On June 7, 1941, she married Cecil Snellen who preceded her in death on January 18, 1992, and to this marriage her children were born. She was later married on April 29, 1994, to Elmer DeBrine who preceded her in death on January 25, 1996. On March 4, 1999, she married Emery Lee Northway who preceded her in death on October 22, 2013. A lifelong resident of the central Missouri area, LaVerne graduated from Centertown High School. LaVerne was a lifelong homemaker and care giver of the elderly. LaVerne was a 13 year employee working as a Med Tech and CNA for Chastains Nursing Home later known as Adams Street Place Nursing Home. She served on the Senior Service Nutrition board for many years and supported the Senior Center. LaVerne had three wonderful, or as she always said, her beautiful husbands. She was married to Cecil Snellen for 51 Years. With him she took many trips to Colorado, and she brought home many rocks for her flower gardens, much to Cecil's dismay. With her second husband, Elmer, she learned to dance, with her third husband Emery Lee, she danced and learned to fish. She had a love for dancing and could always be found at the senior dances. She will be remembered for her giving heart and dedication to helping others. She was always there to lend a smile, her time, a friendly conversation, or just make family and friends feel special. LaVerne loved to keep her hands busy, and was skilled with a crochet needle, and made many quilts in her free time. Most of all, LaVerne loved spending time with her family, and her grandchildren, who were required to call her 'Granny', were the light of her life. She had a passion for life and always enjoyed every moment. Survivors include: one son, C. Wayne Snellen of Montague, New Jersey; former daughter-in-law, Joyce Snellen of Brooklyn N.Y.; one daughter, Connie Kirchner (husband Harley) of Jefferson City, Mo.; two step-sons, Tom Northway (wife Amy) of Jefferson City, Mo. and Jerry Northway (wife Sara); one step-daughter, Mert McMichael of Jefferson City, Mo.; two brothers, Ronnie Backers (wife Annabelle) of Jefferson City, Mo. and Fred Thomas (wife Diana) of Columbia, Pa.; three grandchildren, Laura Lynn Giunta, Scott Kirchner and Carrie Wolken; seven great-grandchildren, and one great-great-granddaughter. She was preceded in death by her parents; her husbands Cecil, Elmer and Emery; one brother, Arch Thomas Jr. Graveside services and interment will be held at 10:00 a.m. Friday, June 5, 2020, at Friedens United Church of Christ Cemetery in Brazito, Mo. Friends may mail sympathy cards to the funeral home, or leave condolences online to be given to her family. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions are suggested Friedens United Church of Christ Cemetery. Funeral arrangements are under the direction of Freeman Mortuary, 915 Madison Street, Jefferson City, Mo. 65101. www.freemanmortuary.com