Elizabeth Jean Epple

July 17, 1951 - December 29, 2021

Elizabeth Jean Epple (Liz) passed from this earthly life on December 29, 2021, in Kansas City, Missouri. Liz was born in Columbia, Missouri, on July 17, 1951, the first child of John Epple Jr. (Jerry) and Jeanne V. Epple. She was the first grandchild of John Sr. and Elizabeth King Epple, and of Leroy Franklin and Wilhelmina Reuter Vinyard.

As a child growing up in Columbia, Elizabeth was curious, inventive and determined. At the age of four, she had the idea to sell lettuce leaves door-to-door to earn money, and the gumption to actually do it. A high achiever, Elizabeth attended the University of Missouri Laboratory School and High School and graduated with honors in 1969. Liz would further her academic pursuits at Southern Methodist University, Dallas, Texas, and William Woods College, Fulton, Missouri.

In 1972, Liz was asked to join the Christopher “Kit” Bond gubernatorial campaign and helped conceive and manage “The Bondwagon,” a red, white and blue bus filled with energetic college students who accompanied the candidate at lively and memorable campaign stops across the state. After a successful campaign, Liz moved to Houston, Texas, where she worked in television production, producing “The Bum Phillips Show,” featuring the colorful head coach of the Houston Oilers. Eventually, Liz would focus her public relations and marketing skills on the healthcare sector, with marketing positions at Georgetown University Hospital, Washington D.C.; Gundersen Health, Lacrosse, Wisconsin; BVK-McDonald, Milwaukee, Wisconsin; and Cerner Corporation, Kansas City, MO.

Liz was an avid reader and news junkie. Her curiosity and keen intellect kept her engaged and “in the know” about a variety of topics ranging from politics to medicine. And while her heart began to fail several years ago, her mind never did. She was a delightful aunt to her nieces and nephews, sharing with them her favorite books, trips to the beach, shopping excursions and movie nights.

Liz is survived by her brother, John Epple III of St. Louis, sisters Constance Epple Stella (Reid) of Kansas City and Margaret Epple Gilk (Tobias) of Overland Park, Kansas, nieces Olivia Stella, Francesca Stella Barth, Helena Gilk and Victoria Epple, nephews Samuel Stella, John Epple IV, Zachary Epple and Benjamin Epple, in addition to many cousins across the country.

Although her passing came quickly, family members were able to be with her at the end. We trust she is now reunited with her beloved parents, grandparents and other family and friends, enjoying the revelation of long-sought answers and resting in perfect health, joy and peace.

A graveside service at Memorial Park Cemetery, Columbia, Missouri, is being planned for later this spring, pandemic permitting. Contributions may be made in Elizabeth’s honor to the Humane Society of Greater Kansas City.