Our beloved wife and mother, Winnie Jo Sneed, passed away on Saturday, May 9, 2026, at Liberty Hospital, surrounded by her family. Born on August 27, 1942, in St. Louis, Missouri, she was the only child of Harold and Fleta Merk.
Winnie graduated from Normandy High School in 1960 and attended William Jewell College, where she met Mike. She was a member of the Zeta Tau Alpha Sorority and graduated in 1964 with a Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education. Winnie and Mike were married on July 23, 1966, and shared nearly 60 years of marriage together.
Winnie was a devoted mother to her two children, Paul B. Sneed (wife Dawn) and Cindy Sneed, whom she raised with faith, love, and patience. She cherished her three grandchildren, Paxton Sneed, Samuel Grahn, and Tanner Sneed, each of whom brought her great joy and lovingly claimed to be her “favorite grandchild.” Winnie was also blessed with a great-grandchild, Ahriana, with whom she especially enjoyed reading books and playing board games.
Winnie taught for 22 years in the North Kansas City School District, serving at Maplewood Elementary and Clardy Elementary Schools. She truly loved getting to know each of the children in her classes and found great joy in helping them learn and grow.
She lived a life filled with laughter, generosity, and a deep love for flyfishing. She was also an enthusiastic supporter of the Kansas City Chiefs and rarely missed the opportunity to cheer them on.
Winnie generously gave her time and talents through Avondale United Methodist Church, the food pantry, and the Hodge/Shy Guild. She became a member of PEO in 2007 when she was initiated into Chapter KF. She faithfully served in many offices, including two terms as President. PEO was a natural and meaningful fit for her lifelong commitment to learning and service.
A celebration of Winnie’s life will be held on Saturday, June 6, 2026, at White Chapel Cemetery, 6600 NE Antioch Road, Gladstone, Missouri 64119. Visitation will begin at noon, with the service following at 2:00 PM. Food and refreshments will be served afterward at White Chapel.
Memorial contributions in Winnie’s honor may be made to:
• Avondale United Methodist Church Food Pantry
• Avondale United Methodist Church, designated to the Hodge/Shy Guild for school supplies at Chouteau Elementary School
