A visitation will be held Monday, September 29, 2025 from 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM at Scanio-Harper Funeral Home. A graveside service with military honors will occur Tuesday, September 30, 2025 at 11:00 AM at Central Texas State Veterans Cemetery, 11463 TX-195, Killeen, TX 76542.
Helen was born in Regina, New Mexico, on October 13, 1940, to Marshall and Viola Neal. After graduating from high school in Dallas, Texas, she joined the United States Air Force.
On December 24, 1959, Helen married John F. Snelson. Together they shared 65 years of marriage, traveling the world as John served in the Air Force. During those years, Helen devoted herself to caring for their children and building a strong and loving home wherever life took them.
In 1981, Helen and John settled in Temple, Texas, where she worked for Bell County in both adult and juvenile probation until her retirement in 1998. She was known for her strong work ethic, steady compassion, and sense of duty — qualities that carried through both her career and her personal life.
Helen’s greatest joy, however, was her family. She was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother who poured her love into every generation. Those who knew her described her as gracious, resilient, and deeply loyal.
She is survived by her husband, John F. Snelson of Temple, Texas; son Robert Snelson and wife Danielle of Saint Augustine, Florida; daughter Kathryn Ricciardi and husband Jim of Wimberley, Texas; grandchildren Jimmie Ricciardi and wife Megan of Buda, Texas, Kristina Erlanson of Kyle, Texas, John Matthew Snelson of Mobile, Alabama, Abigail Bennett and husband Luke of El Dorado, Arkansas and Olivia Frost and her husband Michael of Conway, Arkansas; and seven great-grandchildren.
She was preceded in death by her son, John Marshall Snelson; daughter-in-law, Cindy Wallis Snelson; her parents, Marshall and Viola Neal; her brother, Robert Neal; her sister, Peggy Sue Neal; and great-grandson, Jayden James Erlanson.
