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Jacqueline (Jackie) Kay Crist

Jun 06, 1965 - Nov 08, 2021

Jackie was born in California on June 6, 1965.  At a young age her family moved to St. Joseph, Missouri where she grew up.  Jackie had her own paper route in St. Joe from the ages of 8 to 18.  Twice a day she walked the route and threw the newspaper. After high school Jackie joined the Army.  She spent most of her military years stationed in Germany.  Upon returning from the Army, Jackie lived in Liberal, Missouri.  As a single parent she raised her daughter and son while working and attending college to get her Masters Degree.  Jackie was a volunteer first responder and storm spotter in her community of Barton County.

 

 

In 2008 Jackie moved to Kansas City and began working at the Kansas City Regional Office (KCRO) helping improve the lives of individuals with developmental disabilities. Jackie worked for the State of Missouri for more than 30 years.  

 

Upon starting work at KCRO Jackie found the love of her life there, Cindy Whitford.  After many years together Jackie and Cindy were married in 2018.  

 

Jackie was preceded in death by her parents, Jack and Hazel (Settles) Crane and older brother Ronnie Crane. She is survived by her loving wife Cindy Whitford, of the home, sister Robin King (Alan), children Erin Spires (Bryan), Randal Spires, Stepchildren John Whitford (Lorie), Stacey West, Michael Whitford. Jackie’s grandchildren will also greatly miss her, Granddaughter Abigail and 8 grandsons, Cadyn, Parker, Gabriel, Nickolas, Brice, Kaiden, Joshua and Cody.  She is also survived by many extended family members. 

 

The Memorial Service and Celebration of Life will be Tuesday November 16, 2021 from 4 - 7 pm,  with the Eulogy at 5:00 pm

 

The service will be held at the Gamber Community Center, 4 SE Independence Ave., Lee's Summit, MO  64063

 
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Services

Additional Service: Celebration of Life
Location: Gamber Community Center
Address: 4 SE Independence Ave.
City: Lee's Summit
State: Missouri
Zip Code: 64063
Date of Service: Nov 16, 2021
Time of Service: 4:00 pm
Additional Information:

The Memorial Service and Celebration of Life will be Tuesday November 16, 2021 from 4 - 7 pm,  with the Eulogy at 5:00 pm

 

The service will be held at the Gamber Community Center, 4 SE Independence Ave., Lee's Summit, MO  64063
Google Map: Click Here to see Location on Map

Condolences

Lou Ann Reynolds Nov 15, 2021

Friend ,Kansas City ,Missouri

Dear Cindy and family, my deepest sympathy to you all. Jackie was a very caring soul that loved her family and you, Cindy more than life itself. Jackie is now in Heaven looking down and watching over you all. Love and prayers to you all.

Jan Nov 15, 2021

sister in law ,Kansas

We will miss Jackie so much. She had a good heart and was so sweet. I will always be glad her and Cindy found each other, even though we didn't have her near long enough. She loved you so much Cindy. Keep those memories close to your heart.

Jonathan Irvan Nov 15, 2021

Grandson/parent ,Clarksville ,Tennessee

I'm so sorry for everyone's loss. It's easy to say your a good person. But to show you. All you need to see is her accomplishments in life. She was truly a good person! Sincerely j irvan

Rita Cooper Nov 16, 2021

Friend ,Lees Summit ,Missouri

To All May God hold you in the palm of his hand in this time and always. May his healing mercy comfort you and console you. Many were blessed by Jackie's presence in their lives and she will be sorely missed.

Melissa Dewald Nov 16, 2021

Co-Worker ,Plattsburg ,Missouri

I started here at KCRO a couple of years ago. I truly enjoyed Jackie and her laugh was enticing. She was an amazing person who just wanted to help others. Jackie really was the true definition of social worker. There was nothing she would not do for the individuals we serve. This was the place where she found her home and her wonderful wife. We will miss her dearly! My hopes and prayers are with the family while they are processing this tragic loss. Just know she touched many lives even if she did not know she did.

Frances Boyer Nov 16, 2021

co-worker ,Kansas City ,Missouri

Jackie was a very thoughtful caring person. Sha always thought of my daughter, Ashley and I. We will miss her greatly.

loretta turner Nov 16, 2021

co worker /friend ,lenexa ,Kansas

So sorry this has happened Cindy. Jackie loved you dearly and it showed in everything she did. Please Know that our prayers are with you and the family. She was a good friend and caring coworker. I am so glad I got to know her.

Grace O. Enwemeka Nov 16, 2021

Colleague at DMH/KCRO ,Overland Park, ,Kansas

Please, my family and I extend our sincerest condolences to you and family, Cindy. God will guide and protect you, your family and help you throughout this challenging period. We wish you the best of luck, love, joy, peace and gratitude. All the best of luck!

Wendy White Nov 16, 2021

Co Worker ,Lees Summit ,Missouri

I have only worked at KCRO for 2 years so I did not get to know Jackie well. But she was so sweet and kind when I did interact with her. I am so sorry for her loved ones. My condolences to all of you.

Theresa Bahner Nov 16, 2021

Co-worker ,Kansas City ,Missouri

Jackie won Employee of the Month earlier this year because of her dedication to those she served and her caring spirit towards others. Blessings to all her loved ones.

Wendy Snow Nov 16, 2021

friend/coworker ,Independence ,Missouri

Cindy and family, I am so sorry for your loss! Jackie was a gentle spirit. I enjoyed her quiet sense of humor, and her generous nature. She was so accepting of others. She is loved and missed by many. And I know she sits at the Right Hand of God this day. Hugs and prayers to all of you.

Sheila Nov 16, 2021

Co-worker ,Blue Springs ,Missouri

I worked with Jackie at KCRO. I only talked to her a couple of times, so did not know her well. My fondest memory of her is walking into the breakroom and she'd be sitting at a table eating popcorn. I'm very sorry that she was taken too soon. We will miss her at KCRO. To her family and wife I'd like to say that I'm very sorry for your loss.

MacKenzie Todd Nov 17, 2021

coworker ,Higginsville ,Missouri

We always looked forward to Jackie visiting us at LCBSS. We enjoyed her insight, mentoring, and collaboration. We even got her to come to lunch with us a few times. I really enjoyed her stories. I very much admired her as a person and Veteran. She will be missed. Condolences to Cindy and the family.