Jennifer Dawn McDonald

Jennifer Dawn McDonald, age 45, of Rocky Mount, Missouri, and formerly of Salem, Missouri, passed away peacefully on the evening of September 28, 2025, surrounded by her loving family. She was born on August 23, 1980, in Rolla, Missouri, to Brenda Lea (née McDonald) and Frank Hicks IV.

Jennifer was a kind, optimistic, and free-spirited woman whose strength never wavered, even through her hardest battles. She lived with joy, grace, and compassion, touching the lives of all who knew her. Jennifer had a gift for bringing warmth wherever she went—she never spoke a negative word, choosing instead to live with kindness and generosity. Her laughter could brighten a room, her heart of gold lifted others, and her compassion made everyone feel welcome.

She loved deeply—her family, her friends, her co-workers—and she had a special love for animals. Dogs especially held a dear place in her heart, and her faithful companion, Royal, was always by her side. Her gentle spirit even seemed to draw wildlife close, as if the world itself recognized her light.

She is survived by her mother, Brenda Lea (née McDonald) and her significant other, Mike Meyer, of Rocky Mount, MO; her father, Frank Hicks IV (Reba) of Fort Bragg, CA; siblings Megan Meyer (Joshua) of Rolla, MO, Timothy McDonald (Tasha) of Rolla, MO, Jake Hicks (Becca) of San Diego, CA, Frank “Tiger” Hicks V (Christie) of Oroville, CA, Eve Hicks (Daryle) of Oroville, CA, and Courtney Oliver (Frank) of Oroville, CA; and her children, Caitlyn Kroon of Rocky Mount, MO, Breanna Kroon (Ryan Parks) of St. Clair, MO, and Trenton Williams (Javinna Livert) of Rocky Mount, MO.

She is also survived by her grandfather, Carl Dean McDonald of Salem, MO; aunts and uncles Teresa McDonald of Salem, MO, Darrell McDonald (Dottie) of Rolla, MO, Carmen McDonald (Billy Woolman) of Salem, MO, Tammy McDonald (Ace) of St. John, MO, Clifton McDonald (Floy) of Jadwin, MO, Jerry Wofford (Carol) of Salem, MO, and Larry Wofford (Brenda Kay) of Springfield, MO.

She was preceded in death by her great-grandparents Bonnie and Lawrence Wofford; her grandmothers Faye McDonald (Wofford) and Marguerite Robison; her grandfather Frank Hicks III; her stepfather Terry Lea; her brothers Jason Hicks and Drew Walden; her uncle Larry McDonald; and her cousin Suzanne McDonald.

Jennifer was also deeply loved by many nieces, nephews, cousins, extended family, and countless friends and co-workers who meant the world to her.

She will be remembered for her unwavering love for her children, her joyful spirit, her boundless kindness, and her ability to bring light and laughter into every life she touched.

A celebration of life will be held in Jennifer’s honor on Saturday, October 4, 2025, from 12:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. at the Diamond Event Center, 1325 S. Bishop Ave., Suite B, Rolla, MO 65401.

We welcome you to bring your favorite dish or side, along with your memories, and join us in celebrating the joy Jennifer brought to all of us.

Any flowers or plants may be delivered to 207 N. Jefferson St., St. James, MO 65559 by Friday, October 3, 2025. All flowers and plants will be transported from that address to the ceremony.

The family wishes to thank everyone for their prayers, support, and love during this difficult time.