Jill Celeste Kamphefner

Jill Celeste Kamphefner, 59, of Sedalia, passed away Friday, April 5, 2024 at Rest Haven Convalescent Home.

She was born August 11, 1964 in Detroit, Michigan, a daughter of Vernon and Jan (Ralle) Smith. On August 21, 2010, in Mesquite, Texas, she married Thomas R. Kamphefner, who survives.

Jill worked as an over the road truck driver for many years. She then became a homemaker and enjoyed cooking and baking. She missed the open road and returned to ride in the passenger seat with her husband for four and a half years.

She loved her family. Jill treasured the memories of growing up with her parents and siblings and loved making more memories with her children and grandchildren.  She had a special bond with her dog, Buddy.

Jill was all smiles and loved everyone. She never met a stranger and would visit with anyone. She had a big heart and would literally give the shirt off her back to anyone in need.

In addition to her husband, Tom, survivors include her mother, Jan Smith, of Michigan; five children, Anita Mannino, Samantha Mannino, Michael Mannino, all of Michigan, Nicole Young, of Iowa, and Natalie Mannino, of Michigan; one stepdaughter, Sara Klett-Kamphefner, of Maine; one granddaughter, Emry; and five siblings, Laura Cleveland, Stephen Smith, Anne Addesso, Michael Smith and Jennifer Chigas, all of Michigan.

She was preceded in death by her father, Vernon Smith.

Memorial services will 10:00 am Wednesday, April 17, 2024 at Heckart Funeral Home.

Visitation will be 9:00 am until service time.

Inurnment will be at noon, Wednesday, at the Missouri Veterans Cemetery, Higginsville. 

Memorial contributions are suggested to St. Croix Hospice in care of Heckart Funeral Home.