Christine Snelson

Christine “Chris” L. Snelson, 77, passed away peacefully in her home on February 12, 2026, surrounded by her loving family.

Chris was born on February 10, 1949, to Edwin and Mary (Beem) Johnson. She was the second of ten children in a large and lively family. She graduated from Saydel High School with the Class of 1967. Following graduation, she began her career as a secretary at LOOK Magazine.

In June of 1969, Chris was united in marriage to Samuel E. Barnes. In April 1970, they welcomed a baby boy, Gregory Paul. In 1977, Chris began working as a clerk for the Chicago & North Western Railroad. She remained with the railroad through its merger with the Union Pacific Railroad in 1993. Her career took her throughout the Midwest, and after 32 years of dedicated service, she retired to her hometown of Des Moines. Upon retirement, Chris devoted herself to her true passion—gardening. She transformed nearly an acre of property into a vibrant sanctuary filled with beautiful plants and flowers. Her yard was filled with peonies, tulips, roses, mums, pansies, orchids, irises, lilies and so many more. In her butterfly garden, she planted phlox, milkweed, zinnias, butterfly bushes and rose of Sharon. On many afternoons, you could find her sitting on her patio swing, admiring the fruits of her labor while enjoying the fragrance of her flowers and watching the flights of delicate butterflies and hummingbirds.

Chris cherished simple pleasures. She loved going out to eat with family and friends. She was an avid lover of all kinds of music and attended many concerts and musicals over the years. She collected crystal and Fenton glass and enjoyed thrifting for them. She had an appreciation for beautiful things and loved to wear colorful, gemstone jewelry. In the last few years, she, surprisingly, came to enjoy a new hobby: sports. She loved watching her favorite football team, the Kansas City Chiefs, play and wore her Mahomes jersey for every game. She also followed the career of her favorite WNBA player, Caitlyn Clark, after first watching her play for the Hawkeyes.

Above all, Chris was a devoted mother, sister, aunt and friend. She treasured spending time with her large family and her little dogs, Ida and Opal. She had generously supported many charitable causes and always helped those in need. She enjoyed talking with her neighbors and when one of them passed away, Chris took in their cat and gave it a home. Her kindness, warmth, and gentle spirit will be remembered fondly by all who knew her.

Chris is survived by her loving son, Greg (Kris) Baird; her siblings, Donna Reynolds, Bud Johnson, Bill (Denise) Johnson, Jim (Deb) Johnson, Tom (Rhonda) Johnson, John (Janet) Johnson, Mary (Sam) Glick, Steve Johnson and Dee Wood; her stepdaughter, Kayla Trumbo; and many beloved nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Edwin and Mary Johnson, and her precious dog, Chloe.

Family will be greeting friends from 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, February 28, 2026, at Hamilton’s near Highland Memory Gardens; 121 NE 60th Avenue, Des Moines. Funeral service will immediately follow the visitation at 11:00 a.m. Chris will be laid to rest at Highland Memory Gardens Cemetery.

In lieu of flower, memorial contributions may be directed to Wounded Warriors in loving memory of Chris.

Condolences may be expressed online at www.Hamiltonsfuneralhome.com.

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