Cepha Fae (Baxter) VanBibber of Saint James, MO was born on Wednesday, April 21, 1937 in Eufaula, OK to Emmanuel Franklin Baxter and Cora Thomas Baxter. She passed away at Phelps Health Hospital in Rolla, MO on Christmas Eve, December 24, 2024 at the age of 87 years, 8 months and 3 days. Cepha grew up in Oklahoma and attended school in Ninekah, OK. She was united in marriage to Eugene Spencer VanBibber on March 1, 1957 in Chickasha, OK and to this union four children were born; she also adopted two children and was a foster parent to many children for over 20 years. She also worked at Ruby's Ice Cream, Rolla Schools, Missouri Veteran's Home in Saint James, MO, along with taking care of elderly people in her later years. Cepha accepted Jesus Christ as her Lord and Savior at 8 years of age. She was a member of First Assembly of God Church in Saint James, MO for over 60 years. Cepha served her church in a number of capacities including Sunday School Teacher, Missionettes Leader, Jail Ministry, Outreach Ministry, Bus Ministry and Prayer Chain. She also enjoyed yard work, watching and feeding her birds and walking through the woods with her children. She also loved collecting dolls, crosses and Christian art. Cepha was preceded in death by her husband Eugene Spencer VanBibber; parents Emmanuel Franklin Baxter and Cora Thomas Baxter; father-in-law Carl Eugene VanBibber; mother-in-law Velma Isbell (Spencer) VanBibber; brothers George Wesley Baxter, Raymond Emmanuel Baxter, Ulysses Baxter; brothers-in-law Eddie Pierce, Bill Reinderer, Gregg Woods; sisters-in-law Charlotte Baxter, Judy Baxter and several nieces and nephews. Cepha is survived by her children Cora Benoit of Wasilla, AK; Mark VanBibber of Saint James, MO; Tena (Danny) Richard of Saint James, MO; Rita (James) Anderson of Farmington, MN and two adopted children Florence Feeler and Jeff VanBibber and many grandchildren, great grandchildren and great great grandchildren; brothers Roger Baxter, Daniel Baxter, Tom Baxter, Steve (Davida) Baxter; sisters Betty Rinderer, Flossie (Hank) Havens; many nieces, nephews, cousins and friends. Visitation is from 6pm - 8pm on Wednesday, January 1, 2025 at Jones Funeral Home in Saint James, MO. Funeral is 11am on Thursday, January 2, 2025 at First Assembly of God Church in Saint James, MO with Pastor Mick Thrasher officiating. Burial is at Macedonia Cemetery in Rolla, MO. In lieu of flowers Cepha has requested memorials be given to First Assembly of God Church in Saint James, MO for Assemblies of God World Missions. Arrangements are under the direction of Jones Funeral Home, Saint James, MO.

World Missions - First Assembly of God St. James, MO
300 N Outer Rd, St. James MO 65559
Tel: 1-573-265-8723
Web: http://stjamesfirstassembly.org