Sylvia J. Little

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of our beloved mother, Sylvia June (Snavely) Little, 84, of Newton, Kansas, who died on March 15, 2026. She was surrounded by her loving family.

Sylvia was born on June 14, 1941, in Norwood, Missouri, to Edith (Brooks) Ellis and Floyd Snavely. Sylvia grew up in Hatfield, Arkansas and Mound Valley, Kansas. She graduated from Mound Valley High School in 1960 where she participated in basketball, cheerleading, and held class leadership positions. Sylvia enjoyed hosting parties for her friends and listening to Elvis.

Sylvia attended Coffeyville Community College for one year before moving to Wichita, Kansas where she met and married Gerald Little on January 7, 1962. Sylvia was a loving and devoted mother, grammy and great-grammy. Being a mother and grandmother were Sylvia’s greatest joys.

Sylvia graduated with a nursing degree from Hesston College in 1982. She worked as a Registered Nurse primarily in long-term care facilities until she retired in 2014. Sylvia traveled to live near family and worked wherever she landed. Sylvia worked for Presbyterian Manor and Asbury Park while living in Kansas. She also worked in Connecticut and Ohio briefly. Sylvia made friends easily and was often described as a compassionate, knowledgeable, and caring nurse. She found pleasure in mentoring colleagues and encouraging residents.

Sylvia had several hobbies over the course of her life. She enjoyed photography, sewing, baking, cake decorating, ceramics, and cross stitching. She made the absolute best no-bake cookies. Sylvia was an avid reader. She enjoyed listening to music and attending concerts. She loved traveling to visit family and friends. One of Sylvia’s greatest attributes was her capacity to show up for others. She carved out time to be present for countless events including a variety of sporting events, plays, birthdays, graduations, weddings, showers, holidays, and class reunions. She took thousands of photos to document it for all of us.

Sylvia is survived by her children; David and Laura Little, and Debbie Robinson; her grandchildren, Daniel and Nicole Little, Tyler Robinson, Hana (Robinson) and Dylan Moore, AnnaBelle Little, Joshua Robinson, and Emily (Robinson) and Andrew Roth; and 5 great-grandchildren; Also surviving are siblings, Dennis and Leona Snavely, Sheila (Snavely) and Mike Newton, Iris (Snavely) and Rusty Severt, Brian and Marsha Snavely, Jackie (Stricklin) Goodman-Reams and Bob Reams; and a host of friends and extended family.

Sylvia is preceded in death by her parents, Floyd Snavely and Edith Ellis; her son-in-law, John Robinson; siblings, Richard Snavely and Joy (Stricklin) DeCow; and her former husband, Jerry Little.

A Celebration of Life Ceremony will be held at 10:00 AM on Saturday, April 4, 2026, at Petersen Funeral Home in Newton, Kansas with lunch to follow. Visitation will be from 5:30 – 8:30 PM on Friday, April 3, 2026, at Petersen Funeral Home.

Memorial donations may be made to Susan G. Komen and left in the care of Petersen Funeral Home.