Helen Jacqueline Sneed

September 28, 1929 - February 15, 2017

It is with a heavy heart that this is written, as the matriarch and soul of our family, Helen Jacqueline Sneed, left us in the early morning hours of February 15, 2017 surrounded by her most loved and in the familiar comfort of her own bed.

Helen was born in Canada to Arthur and Laura Lambert, one of six children.

Helen was a devoted Catholic and attended St. Jude's Catholic Church in Ceres for many years, rarely missing a Sunday Mass. She enjoyed her time volunteering at the church food pantry until she was no longer able to do so.

Floyd and Helen enjoyed summer trips to the lake with family and friends. She could hypnotize with her buttered noodles and garlic bread and mesmerize with her gardening skills. She was an avid golfer and thoroughly enjoyed her weekly games with her lady friends at River Oaks Golf Course. She could beat anyone in a 48-hour game of Scrabble, usually forcing forfeit.

Helen did not meet a person without touching a soul and leaving an everlasting imprint. She loved with her entire being and left a light in us all left behind. Although we are saddened for our loss, Heaven is enlightened by its gain.

Helen, wife, mom, sister, aunt and the Gigi to us all wanted us to know... "When I am gone, let me go. I have so many things to see and do. You mustn't tie yourself to me with tears, but be thankful for our many years. It's only for a time that we must part, so bless the memories within your heart. Though you cannot see or touch me, I am near. And if you listen with your heart you'll hear...All my love is around you, so soft and clear. And then when you must come this way, I'll greet you with a cocktail and say, ‘Welcome home.'"

Private graveside services have been held.

Helen is survived by her husband of 66 years, Floyd Sneed of Ceres; her son, Mike Sneed (Debi) of Ceres; her daughter, Michelle Melder of Texas; her brother, Richard Lambert (Joanne) of Modesto; her grandchildren, Josh Sneed (Jana) of Hughson, Ty Sneed of Ceres, Laura Elleby (Ryan) of Georgia, Todd Niebauer (Jimena) of Georgia, Teal Melder of Georgia, Dane Melder of San Diego and Erica Colo of Modesto; and her great-grandchildren, Kylie and Aubrie Sneed, Carter Sneed, Nixon and Reese Elleby, Jazmine Niebauer and a beautiful baby girl on the way. Helen was well loved and will be extremely missed by countless nieces, nephews and friends. She was preceded in death by her loving parents, sisters Yvette Klunis, Anita Rogers and Jeannine Faughn, brother Dennis Lambert and son-in-law Tom Niebauer.

If you would like to make a donation, please consider St. Jude's Catholic Church, 3824 Mitchell Road, Ceres CA 95307; or Covenant Care Hospice, 125 N. Broadway, Turlock CA 95380, in memory of Helen J. Sneed.

-Ceres (Calif.) Courier
Wednesday, March 1, 2017