Galen Robert Snell

The family of Galen Robert Snell is celebrating his life as he joined his wife, Ruth, in the presence of Jesus on Friday, February 14, 2025, at the age of 91. Galen was a model of faith, love and service throughout his life, and a wonderful husband, father, grandfather,

great-grandfather, uncle, friend, and mentor to many. He and his wife shared their faith in Jesus, their musical talents, hospitality, and laughter wherever they went.

Galen wore many hats and touched and influenced countless lives. Among the many roles he undertook, Galen was a missionary at Lybrook Navajo Mission. While directing the mission with his wife their two younger children were born, joining their older sister who was born in Chicago, Illinois during Galen's seminary years.

Galen was a pastor at the Glendale, AZ, Church of the Brethren twice. After finishing his doctorate at the University of Arizona, he was the Dean of Students and taught psychology at McPherson College, in McPherson, Kansas for 3 years. In 1970, he moved to Scottsdale, Arizona where he was not only the first Academic Dean at Scottsdale Community College, but he also set up the psychology department as the first psychology professor there.

In 1972, Galen was called back to McPherson College to be the College President to help establish the College on a solid financial footing. Galen told the school that he was a short term fix as he didn’t like administration! Yet it was during this time that Galen had the foresight and vision to start the Auto Restoration program at McPherson College. When the school was financially stable, Galen decided to fulfill one of his life long dreams of becoming a farmer. He moved his family to McFarland, CA where he farmed almonds and was later joined by his son, farming raisin grapes as well. Galen left the farm in his son's capable hands, and moved to Arizona where he and his wife did multiple things including developing and subdividing ranch lands in western New Mexico and developing and operating a Mobile Home Park in Camp Verde, AZ with their lifelong friends. Galen was also the CEO of Glencroft Retirement Village (now Glencroft Center For Modern Aging) in Glendale, AZ, helping to put it back on its feet and setting it on solid financial footing.

Through the 72 and a half years of their marriage, Galen and Ruth had many people who lived with them in their home. Galen counseled and mentored them, helping to lead them out of difficult situations and into a better life through faith and discipleship in Jesus Christ.

Everywhere he went with his wife by his side, Galen lived with generosity, integrity, and love because of his experience of the saving grace of Jesus Christ.

The Snell family invites you to join them in a service celebrating the life of Galen Snell, 1:30 p.m., Saturday, March 8, at Cornerstone Community Church, Reedley, California.