Connie Jo Gross

Connie Jo (Walls) Gross, age 68, formerly of St. John, Kansas, passed away on March 12, 2026, in Independence, Missouri. Connie was born on January 10, 1958, in Stafford County, Kansas, to George Walls and Helen (Tubbs) Walls.

Connie attended Barton County Community College and later earned her insurance license through the State of Kansas. She built a successful career in the insurance industry, working across multiple states and forming many lasting friendships along the way.

Above all, Connie was deeply devoted to her family. While her children were growing up, she was actively involved in their lives—serving as PTA president, coaching basketball and softball, and always being a supportive and present mom. In her later years, she found joy in living on her home place, tending to her garden, watching her dog play with the goats, and especially caring for her beloved chicken, Frieda.

She adored her grandchildren and great-grandchildren, often giving them special nicknames. Being “Nana” was what she cherished most.

On August 10, 2015, she married Timothy L. Gross in Kansas City, Missouri, surrounded by all of their children from their blended family.

Connie is survived by her husband, Tim, of Independence, Missouri; her son, Scott Adams (Jerri) of Lenexa, Kansas; daughter, Morgan Anderson (Stewart) of Fonda, Iowa; combined family sons ,Geoff Gross (Vanessa) of Jacksonville, Florida, and Garrett Gross (Sabrina) of Harlem, New York; combined family daughter, Becca Leal (Christian) of Raymore, Missouri; sister, Judy Staub of Wichita, Kansas; sister-in-law, Maryl Chain of Independence, Missouri; birth brother, Blake Eaton (Peggy) of Wilburton, Oklahoma; and birth sister, Julia Johnson (Jeff) of Belton, Missouri.

She is also survived by her 10 grandchildren: Kelli Adams of Lenexa, Kansas; Jonathan Anderson of Fonda, Iowa; Annabelle, Harris, and William Gross of Jacksonville, Florida; Havyn, Aspyn, and Knox Leal of Raymore, Missouri; Danny Bruggeman (Meghan) of Eau Claire, Wisconsin; and Stephanie Winzer of Overland Park, Kansas; as well as two great-grandchildren, Micah Bruggeman of Eau Claire, Wisconsin, and Jenesis Winzer of Overland Park, Kansas. She also leaves behind a special aunt, Irene Walls, along with many cousins and dear friends.

Connie was preceded in death by her parents, George and Helen Walls; her brother-in-law, Kenny Staub; and others.

Her sister Judy, whom Connie visited the day before her passing, shared a special message: "We will be together soon. I miss you. Love, Judy.”

A Celebration of Life will be held on April 4, 2026, from 1:30 to 3:00 PM at the St. John Homecoming Hall and Museum, 304 N. Main, St. John, KS, 67576.. Guests are invited to share their memories of Connie during the service.

A private family gathering will follow for the spreading of Connie’s ashes, and a memorial stone will be placed at her parents’ gravesite.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in Connie’s name to the Shriners Children's Texas https://shrinerschildrens.org/en/locations/texas

or the Ronald McDonald House Charities of Greater Houston/Galveston.https://rmhchouston.org