Jennifer "Jenny" Jo Whitesell, 59, of Sedalia, MO, passed away peacefully on Saturday, April 25, 2026, at Bothwell Regional Health Center in Sedalia, after a courageous battle with cancer. She was born on February 24, 1967, in Warrensburg, MO, the daughter of Channing Whitney Rogers III and Leta La'Fana (McGuire) Rogers, who preceded her in death.

Jenny experienced loss early in life when her mother, Leta, passed away from cancer in March of 1975, when Jenny was just seven years old. She was a proud graduate of Smith-Cotton High School, Class of 1985. Jenny owned and operated J & J Cleaning Service in Sedalia and later continued her education at State Fair Community College. She worked as a Care Manager at New Haven Residential Girls Home in Sedalia and also served as the office manager for her father at Town and County Upholstery in Sedalia.

Jenny had a caring heart and a special love for animals, especially her beloved dogs, Piper, Macie, and Bell. Her greatest joy was spending time with her grandchildren and gathering with family for special occasions and holidays. Thanksgiving and Christmas were especially meaningful to her, as they brought together the people she loved most.

Before her passing, Jenny was blessed to take one final family vacation to the Florida Gulf Coast, where she was able to see the ocean. She was also able to share in the joy of her own celebration of life with family and friends just one week before her passing, creating memories that will forever be treasured by those who loved her.

Jenny is survived by her son, Rodney Gilmore and his wife, Brooke, of Sedalia; her daughter, Brianna Gilmore of Sedalia; three grandchildren, Carter, Ariella, and Eliana; three brothers, Steve Rogers and his wife, Vickie, of Warrensburg, Channing Rogers Jr. and his wife, Diane, of Sedalia, and Jeff Rogers of Sedalia; four sisters, Patricia Sue Roberts and her husband, Mike, of Warrensburg, Pamela Hanna and her husband, Bob, of Sedalia, Kathy Mallinson and her husband, Mark, of Kingsville, and Merry Rogers of Sedalia; two half-sisters, Patricia Kay Smith and her husband, David, of Blue Springs, and Sharon V. Mynatt and her husband, Ronnie, of Springfield; along with numerous nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles, cousins, and extended family.

In addition to her parents, Jenny was preceded in death by two half-brothers, Michael Ray Rogers and Micheal Dale Rogers; and one half-sister, Candace Rebecca Flemming.

No formal services will be held at this time. The family will announce a celebration of life gathering at a later date.

Memorial contributions may be made to Show-Me Christian Youth Home in the care of Rea Funeral Chapel.

Cremation arrangements are in the care of Rea Funeral Chapel.