Janice Gebhardt

Janice Genevieve Gebhardt, age 83, of Festus, Missouri, passed away Tuesday August 26, 2025 at Crystal Oaks Nursing Home in Crystal City, Missouri. She was born July 22, 1942 in Ste. Genevieve, Missouri, the daughter of the late Dorothy (nee Smith) Doza.

In addition to her mother, she is preceded in death by her husband Martin Lee “Marty” Gebhardt; in-laws Cecil and June (nee Hansen) Gebhardt; sister Carol (the late Lloyd G.) Bates; and brother and sister-in-law Harvey and Linda Harris.

She is survived by her daughters Cheryl (Brian) Story of Pevely, Missouri and Michelle Gebhardt of Festus; her grandchildren Kirsten Story, Wyatt Self and Ethan Self; her beloved chihuahua Maverick; a brother Oscar V. (the late LeAnne) Doza, Jr. of Festus; brother-in-law Ken (Debbie) Gebhardt; her Godson and nephew Chad Doza; and several other nieces and nephews.

Janice was a member of Our Lady Church in Festus where she was their first female usher and continued to be for 25 years. She was very involved in the church’s St. Vincent de Paul Society for over 20 years and helped develop some of the programs they still use today. She was a lifetime member of the Girl Scouts and a Leader for 50 years. She loved teaching girls outdoor camping skills and archery. She could tie any kind of knot and even managed to build a fire in a flash flooding storm, that stayed lit as it floated downstream. She treasured the time with her family more than anything. She never missed a concert or sporting event for her children or grandchildren and even got involved in track and field herself winning a few gold medals at the Show-Me State Games alongside her daughter Michelle. She never turned down a chance to eat at Pogolino’s, she loved their Clown pizza and fried mushrooms. She enjoyed feeding the birds and taking strolls in the courtyard. She just loved being outdoors.

Visitation will be 9:00 A.M. to 10:30 A.M. Thursday, September 4, 2025 at Vinyard Funeral Home in Festus. A Funeral Mass will follow at 11:00 A.M. at Our Lady Church, officiated by Fr. Stephen Lian. Interment in Jefferson Barracks National Cemetery, St. Louis, Missouri. Memorials in Janice’s name are preferred to Our Lady St. Vincent DePaul Society or the Siteman Cancer Center.