Betty Jean Stafford

Betty Stafford Snell passed peacefully at the age of 96 on Sunday, September 27, 2026, with her family lovingly by her side. She left this world surrounded by the people she loved most and is now reunited with many of her beloved family members who went before her.

Betty was a woman who devoted her life to her family, her faith, and her home. She was very involved in her church, and her faith was a special and important part of her life. She was a devoted wife to her first husband Bill and then to Dale who was by her side at the end. She was a wonderful homemaker who took great pride in making her home a place filled with love, good food, and warm memories. She was always meticulously well put together from her hair to her nails and to her perfectly ironed attire.

Betty was an excellent cook and baker, and there was always something special coming from her kitchen. She was a talented hairdresser and also worked in the melons for Pasquinelli Produce in her younger years. She was a hardworking woman who never hesitated to give of herself to those she loved.

Some of the happiest times in her life involved standing around the piano and singing the old hymns with friends and family, especially with her beloved brother, Curt. The family Christmas traditions they created are some of the most precious memories.

Of all the joys in Betty’s life, her grandchildren, great-grandchildren and great great-grandchildren held a very special place in her heart. She absolutely adored them and cherished every moment she was able to spend with them.

Betty was preceded in death by her husband, Bill Stafford; her son, Greg Stafford; her daughter, La Donna Ann; her parents, Homer and Lillie Lee; her brother and sisters, Curtis and Lydia (in-law), Patsy, and Matilda Lee; and her granddaughter, Michelle Stafford.

She leaves behind her husband, Dale Snell and her bonus family, Paul (Linda) Zimmerman, Mike (April) Kelly and Ellen Schreffler, who were so good to her; grandchildren, Cassandra, Justin, and Kaylene; great-grandchildren, Cody (Ariel), Cammron (Andrea), and Caslyn; and her great-great-grandchildren, Zarian, Riley, Bentlee, Clayton and Luke, and many nieces and nephews. She will be dearly missed by her nieces and nephews, Tina (Andy), Stephanie (Dustin), Darren (Jessica), Brandon, Brittani (Ronnie), Robert (Ashley), Debanee, Desiree (Drew), Morgan (Rachel), Austin and Bobbi Gayle, along with Consuelo who was like a daughter to her, all of whom held a special bond with her.

Though she will be deeply missed, Betty’s love lives on in the family she cherished so dearly. Her memory will remain in their hearts.

The family wishes to express their deepest gratitude to her devoted caregivers, Elia “her angel” and Arabia (Rayz) and to Hospice of Yuma for their unwavering compassion, patience and loving support.

A graveside service will be held on October 15, 2026, at Johnson Mortuary and Desert Lawn Memorial Park. Pallbearers will be Cody Deppen, Cammron Deppen, Darren Lee, Chris Jester, Gavin Jester and Wyatt Jester.

Rest peacefully, Betty. You were deeply loved and you will be greatly missed.