Jeanne Vinyard Epple passed from this earthly life on March 9, 2017, in Overland Park, Kansas. Jeanne was born in Carrollton, Missouri to Leroy Franklin Vinyard and Wilhelmina Reiter Vinyard on February 6, 1927. She was the eldest of three children.
Jeanne’s childhood years were spent on the family farm near Norborne. She was especially close to her father who was a remarkable man of deep compassion and kindness, and who believed in education and in his daughter. At a time when it was rare for women to attend college, he encouraged Jeanne to attend the University of Missouri, where she worked to support herself and graduated in 1949 from the College of Home Economics.
It was at the University where Jeanne met her future husband, John (Jerry) Epple, Jr. of Columbia. They were married after graduation and built their life in Columbia, raising their four children and becoming actively involved in the community. When Jerry’s brother and sister-in-law were tragically killed, their surviving children came to live with Jeanne and Jerry’s family.
As a member of Missouri United Methodist Church, Jeanne served on many boards and committees. Her administrative and leadership gifts were apparent, and soon she was tapped to serve in leadership roles, often as chairperson. She served at every level of governance in the denomination, including as a member of the Jurisdictional Council on Ministries. She served two terms on the General Board of Discipleship, and worked closely with The Upper Room and on development of the Disciple Bible Study program. Jeanne deeply loved her work with pastors and other leaders in the church, and she loved helping to share the hope and strength she found in her faith.
Jeanne was an unassuming, unselfish, visionary leader, uniquely able to help forge a path forward in times of upheaval and change. In 1974 she became the first woman lay leader from the Missouri United Methodist Church. And in 1983 she was appointed by Gov. Christopher Bond to serve on the University of Missouri Board of Curators. She would go on to become the first woman to serve as president of the board, beginning in 1988.
She was ever a strong supporter of education and of her alma mater, and was a fierce Tiger fan. She and Jerry cheered the basketball and football teams through many seasons, win or lose.
Jeanne was also involved in community life beyond the Church and University. She served on the Board of Trustees for Columbia Regional Hospital and as Vice President of the Board of Trustees for the Ellis Fischel Cancer Center. She was on the Board of Directors for the Columbia United Way, Chairwoman for the Commission on the Arts for the City of Columbia, and President of the University of Missouri Museum Associates. She served as Executive Director of the Boone County Mental Health Association from 1979-1983.
Jeanne was a devoted wife to Jerry and they were married for 62 years before his passing in 2012. After retirement the couple moved to Kansas City to be closer to family, and were members of the United Methodist Church of the Resurrection.
Mrs. Epple is survived by a brother, Jerry Vinyard of Herington, Kansas, her loving children: Elizabeth J. Epple, of Overland Park, KS; John A. Epple III, of St. Louis; Constance Epple Stella, (Reid) of Kansas City; and Margaret Epple Gilk, (Tobias) of Overland Park, KS. Also surviving are eight grandchildren: John A. Epple IV, Zachary Epple, Benjamin Epple, Victoria Epple, Samuel Stella (May Ling), Olivia Stella, Francesca Stella Barth (Alexander), and Helena Gilk; and nieces, nephews and cousins across the country, including Amy Epple Hoag, Ellen Epple Burris, and Jennifer Epple Jerichow.
Mrs. Epple was preceded in death by her husband, a brother, Dr. Jack Vinyard, brother-in-laws Robert C. Epple and Dr. Lawrence K. Epple and sister-in-law, Dr. Katherine Christman Epple, nephew Dr. Lawrence K. Epple, Jr. and niece-in-law Nancy Johnson Epple.
A memorial celebration will be held Monday, March 13 at 10:30 am in the McGilley Memorial Chapel, 12301 State Line Road, Kansas City, Mo. The Reverend Clayton Smith, of The United Methodist Church of the Resurrection presiding.
Columbia area friends are welcome to join the family for a graveside service Monday, March 13 at three o’clock pm, at Memorial Park Cemetery in Columbia. The family will welcome guests in the reception rooms at Memorial Funeral Home immediately following the burial.
Jeanne asked that those wishing to honor her would do so by making a donation to one of the following, in lieu of flowers:
• The Missouri Area Methodist Foundation, which provides funds for a variety of ministries across the state. PO Box 1076, Columbia, MO, 65205-1076
• Central Methodist University, which provides liberal arts education emphasizing ethical leadership and social responsibility. 411 Central Methodist Square, Fayette, MO, 65248
• The United Methodist Church of the Resurrection’s Foundation, funding scholarships for seminary students. 13720 Roe Ave, Leawood, KS, 66224
Contributions may also be made to The Jeanne V. Epple Memorial Scholarship Fund, which is being established by Jeanne’s family to provide assistance for students in need at the University of Missouri. Mizzou Gift Processing, 411 Reynolds Alumni Center, Columbia, MO, 65211
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