A funeral will be held Thursday, September 4, 2025 for 83-year-old Janice Genevieve Gebhardt of Festus who passed away Aug. 26, 2025, at Crystal Oaks Nursing Home in Crystal City.
She was born July 22, 1942, in Ste. Genevieve, the daughter of Dorothy (Smith) Doza, who preceded her in death.
She married Martin Lee “Marty” Gebhardt. He was preceded her in death.
She is survived by two daughters: Cheryl (Brian) Story of Pevely and Michelle Gebhardt of Festus; three grandchildren: Kirsten Story, Wyatt Self and Ethan Self; her Chihuahua: Maverick; a brother: Oscar V. (the late LeAnne) Doza Jr. of Festus; a brother-in-law: Ken (Debbie) Gebhardt; her nephew and godson: Chad Doza; and numerous other nieces and nephews.
She also was preceded in death by her parents-in-law: Cecil and June (Hansen) Gebhardt; a sister: Carol (the late Lloyd G.) Bates; and two siblings-in-law: Harvey and Linda Harris.
She was a member of Our Lady Catholic Church in Festus, where she was the first female usher and served in that role for 25 years.
She was involved in the church’s St. Vincent de Paul Society for more than 20 years and helped develop some of the programs still used today.
As 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 a variety of knots and once built a fire in a flash flooding storm, which stayed lit as it floated downstream.
Above all, she treasured the time with her family, never missing a concert or sporting event for her children or grandchildren. She got involved in track and field, winning a few gold medals at the Show-Me State Games alongside her daughter, Michelle.
She loved to eat at Pogolino’s and would often order their Clown pizza and fried mushrooms.
She enjoyed being outdoors, especially feeding birds and strolling in the courtyard.
Visitation is scheduled from 9-10:30 a.m. Thursday, Sept. 4, at the Vinyard Funeral Home, 616 W. Main St., in Festus.
A funeral Mass for 83-year-old Janice Genevieve Gebhardt of Festus will follow at 11 a.m. at Our Lady Catholic Church, 1550 St. Mary’s Lane, in Festus, officiated by Father Stephen Lian.
Burial will be in the National Cemetery at Jefferson Barracks.
Memorials may be made to the St. Vincent DePaul Society or the Siteman Cancer Center.
Arrangements are under the direction of Vinyard Funeral Home.