Cliff Snelling

Cliff Snelling passed away into the arms of his Savior on July 30, 2024, after a valiant fight with lung cancer. He was surrounded by his family who knew him as a Jesus loving husband, father, brother, uncle and best Papa ever!

Born on April 12, 1945, to Clifford and Malinda Snelling in Benson, MN, he was one of six children. Cliff was raised on a farm where he milked his first cow at the age of 3 and drove his first tractor at the age of 6. Cliff was active in sports and played football and baseball.

He drove a school bus after high school before going on to the University of Minnesota where he studied Business Administration and graduated in 1967.

Cliff met a beautiful brunette named Sheryl in 1962, and she stole his heart. They were married for 58 years and were an amazing team in their life adventure.

In 1968, Cliff joined the United States Air Force. He graduated top of his class from Air Craft Maintenance school and chose the SR-71 program at Beale AFB. Cliff and Sheryl welcomed their first daughter, Wendi, at Lackland AFB and second daughter, Heidi, at Beale AFB.

In January 1985, Cliff started his own business, Snelling Bookkeeping and Tax Service. He tended his "vineyard" as he called it for nearly 40 years with his daughter, Wendi by his side. Cliff had many loyal friends and clients who he served with great care and devotion.

Cliff enjoyed traveling with his best friend, Sheryl, to many places but their favorite was Ft. Bragg, CA, at their second home known as Sea Breeze. Following a busy tax season, they would retreat to enjoy the ocean air and sunshine.

Cliff served as an elder at Christian Center Church for 18 years and as a board member of Faith Christian School for several years when his daughters and grandchildren were in attendance there. He attended Adventure Church and was a man of extraordinary faith. He will always be remembered as a man who loved his family with his whole heart and reminded them of that every time they were together.

Cliff is survived by his loving wife, Sheryl; his daughters, Wendi (Shawn) Greathouse and Heidi (Verek) Visaraga; his grandchildren, Garson, Aidan, Brenna (Nick), Gillian, Zoe and Emery; and great-granddaughter, Lana. He is also survived by his two sisters, Janet Schulze of Oregon, Charlotte Castor of Minnesota and brother, Ernie Snelling of Wisconsin.

Cliff was preceded in death by his parents; sister, Violet Jaeck; and his brother, Virgil Snelling.

A Celebration of Life is planned for Saturday, September 7, 2024 at 2 p.m. at Adventure Church in Yuba City, CA.

In lieu of flowers the family requests donations be made to Faith Christian School, P.O. Box 1690, Yuba City, CA 95992