In Remembrance Of

Natalie Root

Natalie Denae Root, 31, of St Joseph passed into the presence of her Lord Jesus on Monday, May 11th after a long battle with ALS (Lou Gehrig’s). 

Natalie was born in Cali, Colombia on April 3rd, 1989 and lived a life filled with joy and music and many friends. All her friends would agree she was unique and original. She spent much of her life in Smithville, Missouri where she graduated from Smithville High School in 2007. She studied at Evangel University in Springfield, MO and graduated from Missouri Western University in St Joseph. Soon after her graduation, Natalie became a technical writer for a medical firm and lived and worked in Boston, MA. 

Her love for Jesus stood out above all else. Upon her diagnosis, Natalie immediately began creating a network of encouragement for others who were suffering from this disease. Her influence was widespread, and she will be greatly missed.  

Natalie is survived by her parents, Pastor Jimmy and Jean Root, Jr of St Joseph, Missouri, grandparents, Rev. Jimmy and Carol Root, Sr of Springfield, MO, sister Andrea Gross and her husband David Gross of Savannah, brother Bryan Root and his wife Amanda of Platte City, MO, along with five nieces and two nephews who she dearly loved. 

Visitation for all friends of Natalie and the family will be held on Sunday, May 17th,from 3 to 8:00pm at the Hixson-Klein Funeral Home in Gower, 109 N 3rdStreet.

A graveside service for family will be held on Monday, May 18th. 

In lieu of flowers, donations may be sent in Natalie’s name to the St Joseph Pregnancy Resource Center located at 1502 N. 36th Street, St Joseph MO 64506.

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Comments & condolences

36 comments

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  • Misty Wofford

    Oh my goodness Natalie, I just heard. You were such a wonderful girl. It’s hard to think about you not being in this world. Rest in peace.

  • Luc Sommese

    Deepest condolences to Natalies’ family and friends. I found Natalie through soundcloud. She was such a talented singer/musician and so sad to know that she died. I’m listening to her music while writing this. God bless her.

  • Jill R McCrae

    God bless you all. Your strength and joy in God is inspiring.

  • Mark Wolters Jr

    I’m sorry to hear of Natalie passing prayers for your family

  • Rick and Diane Wilson

    In this broken world, Natalie was a light upon a hill. She ran the race with gusto and is now earning her ultimate reward, but , wow! will she be missed. Lord, please fill in the hole in our hearts with Your good grace.

  • Regina O'Brien

    There are no words to express the loss of a child. There are no words of comfort to give that eases the pain. It is a club no one wants to belong to, but it is a support that understands to a point. I will always remember Natalie’s smile and her love of God that she never lost sight of. Even though I didn’t know her like others did, she taught me a lot, as did each of you. Prayers for all of you as you navigate this new normal.

  • Tiffany Starke

    Natalie was a beautiful, bright, caring and amazing young lady. She didn’t let her disease stop her from doing what she loved. Rest in Gods arms. You will be missed.

  • Ray Corlew

    With very sincere & heartfelt sympathy for your family. This is a very difficult time & you are in our thoughts & prayers. May God be with you in a comforting way.

  • Anthony powell

    I’m so very sorry for your loss she will never be forgotten and dearly missed you are in my prayers love you all always phil.4:13 may the lord guide you and help you thru this hard time and give you the strength to continue moving forward God bless

  • LaRene McHugh

    When I think of Natalie….I think of the Words…Gift and Gifted….she was a Joy and Loved her Smile and Laugh….Her Love for Jesus and Life….She added to so much to Life……Her Music and Writings will Live On…Memories of Her will live On…Looking forward to Hugging her Once Again with Our Lord and Saviour! Prayers to All of You, the Family.
    Blessings,
    Mrs. McHugh

  • Debbie Summers

    The Summers Family
    We met Natalie through our daughter, Callie. They became friends attending the same church. We saw her on FaceTime and in many pictures. Her smile and laughter were ever present. We prayed for her and the family throughout her struggles. I told Callie she was singing and laughing in the presence of the Lord! We are so blessed having known Natalie through Callie. We can’t imagine your loss but we pray for your Peace and Comfort.

  • Marlene Byrne

    My heartfelt condolences goes out to the family of Natalie. I only knew Natalie from a distance through my niece (Callie Summers and her Mother Debbie Summers my sister). I became aware of Natalie’s condition some time ago and I knew her at a more personal level as I have kept her in my prayers everyday and now I pray for the family. Our loss of loved ones is so great that emotions overtake us at times. I pray for the families comfort at this time. I know our Lord and Savior and I know His promises to His children therefore I know that Natalie is being well taken care of in the presence of our Lord.

    Peace, Comfort and Blessings to All.

  • Debbie Summers

    The Summers Family
    We met Natalie through our daughter, Callie. They became friends attending the same church. We saw her on FaceTime and in many pictures. Her smile and laughter were ever present. We prayed for her and the family throughout her struggles. I told Callie she was signing and laughing in the presence of the Lord! We are so blessed having known Natalie through Callie. We can’t imagine your loss but we pray for your Peace and Comfort.

  • Theresa Gasior

    I never had the pleasure of meeting Natalie but she sounds like she was a delightful young lady with so much love for the Lord. My prayers are for the families’ healing.

  • Patricia Bonilla

    Thoughts and prayers for the family. So excited for her to finally see Jesus! I can’t wait to see him too!

  • Megan Turner

    You will be missed & I should have got to know you better, I first met you when I started going to church their in smithville and I always thought it was cool that you and I shared a birthday and are the same age lol. I will keep you and your family in my prayers and I know you will be looking down on all of us. Heaven just gained a kickass woman!

  • Michele Root

    Jim,Jean, and family although I hadnt seen Natalie is a few years, she spoke to my heart several times. My thoughts and prayers at this time.

  • Howard & Kathy Montgomery

    Forever remembered, forever missed, forever loved.

  • david hartgrove

    So sorry for your loss. You are in our prayers in this time of sorrow. Pastor David Hartgrove, Crossroads Cathedral Assembly of God pastor, Centralia, mo.

  • Dave & Jo Nelsen

    Jimmy, Jean and Family.
    We were so sorry to hear of Natalie’s passing. We do rejoice in her new joy in God’s presence. You are all in our thoughts and are today and the day’s ahead.

  • Melissa Peter

    Jeannie and Jimmy, my heart and prayers go out to you and all of your loved ones.

  • John and Gay Davis

    Though the words are often trite and overused God knows and is with you in your pain. He knows the loss of a child. We grieve but with hope. The time will come when wholeness will be restored and in a greater way than can happen here. But God is also present now and with you even in this time of pain. Receive His peace.

  • David & Elaine Damron

    Our heartfelt sympathies at the loss of your beloved daughter. May the Lord bless and comfort your family in this time of loss. Blessings.

  • Dean Bohl

    Love you all! Praying and sending our Condolences!!

    Pastor Dean and Judy Bohl

  • Rex Robertson

    Natalie was a shining light to those who knew her, and she will be dearly missed. Our love to her family during these trying times.

  • Leslie Jones

    My deepest sympathy to your family.

  • Joe and Cheryl Fisher

    So sorry for your loss. Knowing we will be with our child again brings such comfort. Prayers m

  • Mary Wiechman

    Our prayers are with the family. As for Natalie we will see you later. Love Gary and Mary Wiechman

  • Sharon Gingerich

    Sorry for your loss!

  • Robin Wilson

    I never had the opportunity to meet this fine young lady. As Pastor Jimmy and wife Jean have devoted their entire lives to care for, cherish and make countless memories with their lovely daughter. My heart goes out to them and praying for your strength to let our God show her the new way She is pain free and flying high and living now above all else. Prayers to this wonderful loving family. God Bless.

  • Dennis Stratman

    I am so sorry for your loss. Praying peace and comfort for your family.

  • Tina Bailey

    I am so sorry for your loss. May God give you all the strength to get through this. Bless you all.

  • Leland & Donetta Monroe

    We are so sorry for your loss. Praying for you and the family.

  • Susan and Keith Gary

    We met Natalie on a trip to Washington, DC to advocate for persons with ALS. She had a remarkable spirit and terrific sense of humor. It was a grueling day on the Hill with plenty of heat and humidity. She was a trooper and shared her story with members of Congress and their staff. She left an indelible mark on our hearts. We will miss her dearly and offer the family our sincere condolences.

  • Brittney & Hunter Gibson

    Our hearts are with you all I remember the first time we had met Natalie! It was our first Christmas Eve at Manna Church. Her smile was contagious!! We love you all and pray for you always.

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