About Stephanie

Stephanie Renee (Krider) Vest, 34, lost her courageous battle with cancer on December 3rd, 2008. After struggling for months with a lingering, undiagnosed illness, it was determined that Stephanie was suffering from a rare form of cancer called Gamma Delta Lymphoma. She received this diagnosis in August of 2008, just a few weeks after giving birth to her third child.

Born August 1st, 1974 in Kansas City, Missouri at St. Luke’s Hospital, her family soon relocated to Jefferson City. Spending the majority of her childhood there, Stephanie was part of Jefferson City High School's graduating class of 1992. She had fond memories of her hometown, especially time spent with her cousins and her childhood friends. She was a proud member of the cheerleading squad, and she had the honor of being voted homecoming queen. She also participated in the theatre program, which was one of her passions.

Stephanie graduated from Missouri State University in 1996 with a degree in Communications & Theatre. She pledged the Sigma Sigma Sigma sorority her freshman year, and played a vibrant role in the chapter during her time at college.  It was at MSU she met many of her closest friends and her husband Eric.  Soon after graduation, they married and moved to Kansas City. Stephanie worked in sales & marketing until she gloriously became a mother. She then started her "career" as a full-time mommy raising her three beautiful children in Lee's Summit.

 

The joys in Stephanie’s life were spending time with family, celebrating special occasions with friends and decorating her home. She had a flair for color and style, and created beauty where ever she went. In fact, she created a whimsical hot pink laundry room that helped her celebrate the beauty of completing a load of laundry. She embraced the powerful role of being a mother, and the beauty of friendships. She was a kind and approachable person, who always had time to stop and help anyone in need.

 

With a magnetic personality, Stephanie was blessed with a multitude of friends. She cherished her friendships and organized many social activities in her neighborhood. She was the founder of a Bunko group (who never seemed to play, just talk and eat) and she formed an annual Christmas caroling group for children.

 

Her greatest accomplishment in life was taking care of her family. Stephanie took great pride in being a mother and building a loving home. She was an active member of the PTA and volunteered for a number of roles within her children’s school.

 

Stephanie was a remarkable soul, who left a unique footprint wherever she went. She loved life. She loved laughing. She loved her children. She loved her husband. She loved God. She will never be forgotten.

 

Stephanie is survived by her loving family, including: husband Eric, son Zachary, son Cole , infant daughter Gracelyn, father Steve Krider, mother Betty Ramsey, grandmother Faye Krider and her sweet dog Coco Channel.

Comments

[Kayla]

Hi, I think a friend of a friend of yours showed me this website and I wanted to let you know that you and your family will be in my thoughts and prayers everyday. *big hugs*

[The Lewis Family]

You are in our thoughts & prayers. We know how hard this can be but the love and support of each other, your children and your friends will pull you through this in so many ways. In my husbands cancer journey having young kids, as hard as it is, helps bring continuous smiles and genuine love and hope in a time that can be so lonely and scary. So many people will be praying for you -
Love,
The Lewis Family (friends of Kimmies)

[Jami]

Stephanie, you and your family are in our thoughts and prayers. We may have lost touch over the years, but not memories... This will be a very challenging time, but you can do this. FIGHT! There are so many people who love and adore you. We are here for you.

Always,
Jami(Barbee) Voelmeck

[Jen and Brad Reed]

Stephanie,

You guys have constantly been in our thoughts and prayers...we will continue to pray every day for you and your family. Continue to fight! Accept the love and help that everyone wants to give to you...you deserve it and much, much more.

Love, Jen and Brad

[Carrie Lasater]

Steph,
I only know you through your son, however, I know from that how much of a fighter you are in all walks of life. Just remember that now. You have MANY, MANY people praying for you. For just the short time I have known you, I know you are a strong woman. Keep fighting, and know that so many people are thinking of you and have you in their prayers. Stay stong sister! (got that one from you!)

Much love,
Carrie

[Patricia Hoffman]

Hi Stephanie,
You and your lovely family are in all of my thoughts and prayers.
Sincerely,
Patricia Hoffman

[Lisa Tebbe]

Stephanie,

I've said it many times before, you are the most amazing woman I know. You're my best friend and my inspiration. You have touched so many peoples lives, especially mine. I love you so much and will do whatever you need to help get you through this. You're going to be my miracle girl! I love you!

xo's
Lisa

[Tammy]

My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. Please do not give up hope. God Bless.
Rob and Tammy - Clarksburg, PA

[Bill Spurlock]

Vest Family,

You are all in my thoughts and prayers.

Bill Spurlock

[Debra, Shawn, Logan & Lucy Nault]

Stephanie, Eric, Zach, Cole and Gracie-
GOD Bless you all. You are an amazing family and we are praying and thinking about you all the time!!!! We have witnessed you go through so much over the years and just know that you will successfully overcome this fight! You are all so strong and LOVED dearly! May God bless you throughout this journey and may you find comfort in one another and all those that love you....there are LOTS of us! :)
Best Wishes and Good Luck this weekend!

[Lesley Schneider]

Stephanie- You are constantly in my thoughts! There are lots of prayers being said in Dallas now too. Be fierce and I can't wait to tales of the triumph!!
Hugs to all of you - Lesley

[Amy Hurley]

Stephanie and Eric,
We know your journey is beginning today. We are all with you and praying you have no fear. We pray Friday goes well for Stephanie. John and I are thinking of you all.
Love, The Hurleys

[Lisa Tebbe]

Steph,
I'm so glad we got to see you guys off today!! I just know tomorrow is going to go better than we ever expected!! Keep smiling and know we all have your back here in KC :-)
Love you,
Lisa

[Jeanne Miller (Kinnaman)]

Steph,
I am so blessed to have had you as my pledge trainer fall 96!!! You taught me the meaning of being such a great friend and sister. You and your family are in my thoughts and prayers. God bless you.
Sigma love and all mine, jeanne

[Mickie Abernathy]

Stephanie,
Hoping and praying that today went well. You have a whole "community" that wants nothing but the BEST for you!! Hang on to that husband for support...so many are here not only for you but for him as well. It's tough watching the person you love so much, hurt!Hey, I knew I liked you from the first day I met you...we are Sigma sisters! And I didn't even know!!! I pledged at Northwest (way b4 you I might add). Stay strong, girl!!
Much love and hugs,
Mickie

[Laurie Kilgore]

Stephanie,
I am so happy to hear your good news today. We will continue to constantly pray for painless treatments and the healing of your body. You are such a strong and amazing lady! I have faith in God and in you that you will overcome this. Stay strong. You, Eric and the kids are in our prayers.
XOXO
Laurie

[Alicia Roberts]

Stephanie and family, we have never met, however we attend KCBT and you guys have been in our prayers since we heard about your illness. We also have our hometeam and our own families approaching the throne of grace on your belhaf. Brooke let us know if we can do anything to help out. The Lord is sovereign, holy and good, he is your ROCK and comforter, and ever present in you and with you. Lay all your fears, pain and anger at his feet, for he is waiting to give you peace in this most trying and difficult time. We Love you guys. (Romans 8:28)

The Roberts Family.

[Teresa (Heatherly) Mohr]

Stephanie,
It has been many many years since I've seen you but neither time nor distance can make us less family. I've heard stories of you through family over the years regarding your marriage and family. From your website I've been able to see your beautiful family and what a gorgeous young woman you are. Please know that you are in my thoughts and prayers and I've got my closest friends and family praying for you as well. I pray that your body remains strong so that the physicians can better help you recover. Miracles happen everyday. My prayer is for you a miraculous recovery. Love,your second cousin, Teresa

[Angela Owens]

I am a friend of Kalissa Wilson's. She told me about your situation and I wanted you to know that my family will be praying for you and yours. I have a two year old and a 6 month old, so I can't imagine what it would be like to be going through what you are going through. I have a friend with leukemia who is 28 with a 4 year old and I pray for her every night and I will add you to my prayers. Stay strong and let God take care of all of you. -Angela Owens

[Delora (Smith) Scaggs]

Dear Vest family,

I went to high school with Stephanie and have many fond memories of her. I am praying for you and your family during this difficult time.

Delora

[Shannon Leigh Thompson]

Stephanie and I cheered together in high school...went to London together and I have very fond memories of the times we spent together. Please let her know I'm praying for her and sending her all my love and strength. Steph - I'll be cheering for you and your family...just like old times.

Love,
Shannon Thompson

[Kenny & Robin Payne]

We are neighbors of Larry and Betty in Jefferson City. We have lived accross the street from each other for 20 something years. Just wanted to let you know we just heard about your illness. Your Family is in our Prayers and we have added Steph to the many prayer list we are members of. Larry and Betty if there is anything we can do here at home give us a call.

Kenny & Robin

[Cristine West]

Stephanie, if you remember, you were a student of mine at the Penney Lane Modeling class that you attended when you were about 13-14 yrs old. You were my favorite student. I haven't seen you since, but over the years became a friend of one of your aunts (Jo). Thru Jo, I have heard updates on various high-lights of your life and it is she who sent me this website. What a beautiful person you are and what a wonderful family you have. I have added you and your family to my prayer list and pray that God's grace is sufficient for all your needs. Cristine West

[Shona, John and Conor Johnson]

Stephanie,
Conor and I pray for "Cole's Mommie" every night and I think about you all the time. May you feel the loving presence of those who hold you in their thoughts and prayers.

Much love to you and your family~
Shona, John & Conor Johnson

[Julie Peckham]

Stephanie,

My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family during this difficult time. I am glad to hear that you have found good care at Mayo. You are a strong woman and God will give you the strength to fight this. Know that many people are pulling for you and praying for you.

Julie Peckham (Sigma sister)