Jennifer Ayn Yarbrough

1970 - 2021

Jennifer Ayn (Tipton) Yarbrough

Jennifer Ayn (Tipton) Yarbrough, 50, departed this life July 21, 2021, at Cox South Hospital due to complications from Covid-19. She fought bravely to recover from its vicious attack and return to the life she loved with her husband Troy, daughter Mikayla, and family and friends.

Jennifer was born November 10, 1970, to Captain Robert Eldon Tipton and Karen (Smith) Tipton, at Grissom Air Force Base, Peru, Indiana. She attended schools in Springfield, MO, including Sunshine and Rountree Elementary and Hickory Hills Junior High. She graduated in 1988 from Glendale High School.

While attending Glendale, Jennifer enjoyed many activities, including Scotties Drum and Bugle Corps for which she was Assistant Majorette her senior year. She also loved her Youth Group at University Heights Baptist Church where she made lasting friendships.

Jennifer graduated from Drury University, Cum Laude, with a Bachelor of Arts degree with Majors in Business Administration and Psychology May 10, 1992. She was a member of Pi Beta Phi Sorority.

Jennifer earned her Master of Business Administration degree from Missouri State University on May 19, 2000.

She enjoyed a successful career with Jack Henry and Associates, Inc in Monett, Missouri, where she worked for 21 years. Her most recent position was "Test Auto Engineer, Senior."

Jennifer married the love of her life, Troy Wayne Yarbrough, of Strafford, MO, on December 19, 1992. Their daughter, Mikayla Marie Yarbrough, completed their loving family.

Jennifer was known for her vacation-planning prowess. Their first family trip with Mikayla was to celebrate Mikayla's fifth birthday at Walt Disney World, every little girl's dream. Their most recent road trip was to St Augustine, FL for spring break, 2021. They loved to sail together on Stockton Lake at every opportunity.

Troy and Mikayla lost their best friend, soulmate, and sailing partner and she will never, ever, be replaced. She was the greatest best friend, coach, mentor, therapist, mom, and wife anyone could ask for. She was ripped away from Troy and Mikayla much too early, but they are very thankful for the time they had with her. For Mikayla, 18 years, for Troy, 29 years of marriage. Jennifer's vivacious contagious spirit and breathtaking smile will be forever missed but forever in their hearts.

Mikayla and Troy were nourished by Jennifer's incredible strength and love of all things Disney and Christmas, and they plan to keep those dreams alive, in her honor.

Jennifer was preceded in death by her father Robert Tipton, her paternal uncle James Tipton, her paternal grandparents Bernice and Robert Oestreich, and her maternal grandparents Billie (Ray) Smith and Sherrod Smith.

She is survived by her husband, Troy, and daughter, Mikayla, mother and stepfather Karen and Ronald Parry, mother-in-law and father-in-law Linda and Wayne Yarbrough, brother-in-law Trent Yarbrough and his wife Angie and their daughter Alexis, stepsister Dana Parry Holm and her husband Rick, stepbrothers Scott Parry, Michael Parry and his wife, Pam. Also grieving her loss are her Uncle Stephen Smith, and his children Lincoln and Sally, Aunt Marsha Beyer and husband Michael O'Brien and daughter Ashleigh, Aunt Sheri Levine, and many dear friends and relatives.

Jennifer's family wishes to express their deep appreciation to the doctors, nurses and respiratory therapists who cared for Jennifer and fought for her life with their knowledge, skill and compassion. They also want to thank every person who prayed for her healing.

A Celebration of Jennifer's Life is planned for Saturday, August 14, at University Heights Baptist Church, 1010 S National Ave, Springfield, MO, from one to four in the afternoon. All are welcome.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to help Mikayla with college expenses. A memorial fund has been established at Central Bank of the Ozarks. If you wish to donate, you may go into any Central Bank location and make a deposit to The Memorial Fund for Jennifer Yarbrough.

(Arrangements by Midwest Cremation and Funeral Services, LLC)