Elsie Epple

Mrs. Elsie S. "Cotton" Epple, age 92, of Jefferson City, Mo., passed away peacefully Friday, August 29, 2025, at StoneBridge Westphalia Hills.
Born on January 5, 1933, in Rich Fountain, Mo., one of four daughters to the late Alexander George and Christine M. (Reinkemeyer) Fick. Elsie was united in marriage to Orval J. "Ep" Epple on August 23, 1958, in Rich Fountain. He preceded her in death on January 10, 1997.
Elsie took great pride in her strong work ethic. She began her career as a dental assistant for Dr. Richard Skain and, following his passing, dedicated nearly 25 years to working with Dr. Graham and Dr. Hanson. After retiring from dentistry, she and her sister, Jo Ann, started a housecleaning business, which they successfully ran together from 1998 to 2020.
Meticulous both in life and in cleaning, Elsie took great joy in maintaining a tidy home and well-kept yard. She loved spending time outdoors, mowing the lawn, carefully trimming the shrubs, and occasionally climbing onto her roof to clean her gutters. Gifted with a green thumb, she created a yard that was admired by both family and neighbors, and she took pleasure in watching the landscape change with each passing season. She often reminded her grandchildren: "Good, better, best. Never let it rest. Until your good is better, and your better is best."
While she enjoyed her time close to home, Elsie also found joy in traveling the United States. Girls' trips with her sisters were cherished, Elsie welcomed the adventures with excitement. Some of her favorite travel memories came from extended month-long visits with her daughter Lisa's family wherever they were deployed and where simple joys like building pillow forts to hide from hail storms, sleepovers on the floor of the living room with all her grandchildren, and sharing, albeit reluctantly, klondike bars after every meal became special memories.
Elsie found joy in life's simple pleasures. She had a deep love for music, especially anything by Elvis, and was known to dance along to the beat of a good tune. She enjoyed watching soap operas – particularly Days of Our Lives – and getting lost in a good novel. Shopping at Saffee's, Thursday beauty parlor visits, and indulging in ice cream every chance she could were among some of her favorite activities.
A longtime member of Immaculate Conception Catholic Church, Elsie was devoted to her faith throughout the duration of her life. She instilled strong Christian values into her children and grandchildren through example. She possessed a kind-hearted, caring spirit that blessed everyone she encountered. Gentle with her words and persistent in her endeavors, Elsie leaves behind a legacy to be admired, as there is so much that will be missed about her.
She is survived by her children, Jim Epple, Ken (Darla) Epple, and Lisa (Tim) Tharp, all of Jefferson City; sisters, Evelyn Allen and Jo Ann Voss; Her sister-in-law, Renilda (Don) Mertens; grandchildren, Jesse (Corin Cesaric-) Epple of Brooklyn, NY, George (Joseph Fitzpatrick-) Tharp of New York City, NY, Lillian Tharp (Carson Mohr) of Kansas City, MO, and Alexander (Elena Panzitta-) Tharp of Savannah, GA; great-granddaughter, Scarlett Hope Kimbrell of Maysville, MO; and a host of extended family members and friends.
She was preceded in death by her loving husband, Orval; parents, Alexander and Christine; grandson, Cole Epple; sister, Esther Lauberth; and brothers-in-law, Jerome Lauberth, Raymond Allen, and Jerry Voss.
Elsie's family gives special thanks to the doctors, nurses, and staff at Westphalia Hills Retirement Center who provided her excellent care over the last 2 years.
Visitation will be held from 10:00 a.m. until 12:00 p.m. Thursday, September 4, 2025, at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be conducted at 12:00 p.m. Thursday, September 4, 2025, at the church with The Reverend Matthew J. Flatley officiating. Graveside services and interment will be held at Hawthorn Memorial Gardens.
Memorial contributions are encouraged and suggested to Hospice Compassus, 3405 West Truman Blvd, Suite 210, Jefferson City, MO 65109.
Funeral arrangements are under the care of Freeman Mortuary, 915 Madison St, Jefferson City, MO 65101.