Jean Laveta Roberts

Jean L. Gabel Roberts, 97, passed away on February 8, 2026 at Lincoln Community Care Center, Lincoln, Missouri.

A devout Christian, Jean's faith guided her life and relationships. She attended Forum Christian Church Columbia, Missouri and was previously a member of St Paul's Episcopal church in Kansas City, KS. Jean loved visiting with family and friends and was lovingly called "The Great Communicator", "Doctor Jean" and "Queen Jean". Although many knew her simply as "Grandma Jean". She was a shining example of unconditional love. While Jean raised her daughters, she was deeply involved in her community through the PTA, 4-H, and her neighborhood committees. She spent much of her time shuttling children to dance lessons, piano lessons and various other activities, and her home was always a bustling center for the neighborhood youth.

Jean also had a lifelong passion for music and dancing. In her later years, she found great joy in attending as many "big band" dances as possible.

She was well known for her extraordinary kindness and thoughtfulness, faithfully sending dozens of cards each year to friends and family to celebrate milestones, offer encouragement and share love.

Jean was born in Ottawa, Kansas to Herman and Buelah Bernice Stowe on September 1, 1928. She graduated from Wichita North High School, class of 1946.

She married Gerald "Jerry" W. Gabel of Kansas City, Kansas in 1951. From this union they had two daughters, Pam Carleton (John) of Warsaw, Missouri and Cindy Wunderlich (Steve) of Branson, Missouri. She was preceded in death by her loving husband, Jerry in 1963.

Jean worked as an administrative assistant/secretary throughout the years at New York Life, The Red Cross, Cleveland Chiropractic College and UMKC, all in the Kansas City area. Preceding her in death were her older brother, Donald Stowe, Colorado Springs, Colorado, one sister, Alberta Lank (Don) Wichita, Kansas, One younger brother, Gary Stowe, Ft. Dodge, Kansas.

She leaves behind her two daughters, two sons-in-law, three grandchildren, Kristin Marema, Columbia, Missouri, Brian Carleton, (Chelsea) of Columbia, Missouri, Matt Wunderlich (Carlyn) of Dacula, Georgia and six great-grandchildren, numerous nieces and nephews and many friends. She also leaves behind brothers Robert (Carol) Stowe of Olathe, KS, and Gordon (Connie) Stowe of Wichita, KS.

Jean is also survived by four stepsons, Ralph (Carol) Roberts, Ed Roberts of Independence, MO, Bill (Teresa) Roberts, of Oak Grove, MO and Ray (Becky) Roberts of Independence, MO as well as four grandchildren, Adam, Brian (Celeste), Lauren McEnaney (Dan), and David (Malena) and three great grandchildren.

Services for Jean will be held at Forum Christian Church, Columbia, Missouri, on Friday, March 6, 2026 with her grandson, Pastor Matt Wunderlich, officiating.

In lieu of flowers the family requests a donation to the Lincoln Community Care Center Guild, c/o LCC 205 Timberline Drive, Lincoln, MO 65338

Arrangements are under the direction of Parker-Millard Funeral Service and Crematory, 12 E. Ash St.; Columbia, Missouri 65203. (573) 449-4153. Online condolences may be left for the family at www.milardfamilychapels.com.