Jennifer Louise Gebhart was born on Nov. 5, 1963 in Kirkwood, Missouri to Robert (Bob) and Dorothy "Judy" (nee Hester) Cox and passed away on Jan. 23, 2026 at the age of 62 years.
She grew up in Fenton, Missouri and was a graduate of Eureka High School, Class of 1982.
Shortly after high school, she began working for United Van Lines in Fenton where she advanced in the revenue accounting department and worked for more than 20 years.
Jennifer adopted her daughter Mia in 2007 and never missed a game, a cheerleading event, a 4-H activity or school function. Whether it was long days at the Crawford County Fair where Mia showed goats, evenings in the stands cheering Mia on during her activities, or volunteering behind the scenes for events and charitable organizations, Jennifer was always there.
She served as a room mother, volunteered throughout the Bourbon community, worked with the Bourbon Boosters and helped raise funds for Project Graduation. She was a Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA) for children, a parent advocate within 4-H and a faithful member of Concordia Lutheran Church in Bourbon.
While raising Mia and working multiple jobs, she returned to college and earned her Associate’s Degree from East Central College in Union, Missouri, graduating in 2020. Over the years, she also worked locally as a substitute teacher and at Mobil On The Run. She was creative and gifted with her hands, especially enjoying sewing and quilting.
When she was younger, Jennifer enjoyed traveling, especially trips to Arizona and going on cruises.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Bob and Judy Cox; and brother-in-law, Newton Henson.
She is survived by her daughter, Mia Gebhart of Bourbon, Missouri; siblings, Ken Cox of Naperville, Illinois, Julie Henson of Bourbon, Missouri and Karen Van Compernolle and husband Mark of Creve Coeur, Missouri; nieces and nephews, Samantha Wolf and wife Ashley of Maple Grove, Minnesota, Eric Henson of Bourbon, Missouri, Jill Van Compernolle and husband Mike Gamboa of Riverview, Florida, Tom Van Compernolle and wife Brandi of Lenexa, Kansas and Trisha Ward and husband Matt of Ft. Lauderdale, Florida; other relatives and friends.
Visitation was held from 4-7 p.m. on Friday, Feb. 6, 2026 at the Eaton Funeral Home in Sullivan, Missouri.
Funeral services were held at 11 a.m. on Saturday, Feb. 7, 2026 at Concordia Lutheran Church in Bourbon, Missouri with Pastor Dennis Rodemeier officiating.
Interment followed at Hill Cemetery in Bourbon, Missouri.
Arrangements under the direction of the Eaton Funeral Home and Cremation Center of Sullivan, Missouri.
