Anna Jess Masterson, infant daughter of Thomas Owen and Jessica Lynn (Buschjost), was stillborn on Friday, February 23rd, at Mercy Hospital in Springfield, Missouri. Though we were unable to spend time getting to know her, she has deeply touched our lives and we are thankful for her. While we will experience the Earthly grief of this loss, we have joy knowing Anna is with Jesus.

Anna is survived by her parents, Tom and Jessie of Springfield; her sister, Ryleigh; and her brothers, Owen and Judah. Anna also leaves behind her grandparents, William and Sharon Masterson of Westphalia, MO; Richard and Martha Buschjost of Koeltztown, MO. Anna is also survived by her great-grandma, Edna Masterson of Jefferson City, MO. Also left behind are loving aunts, uncles, friends, and extended family. The family would like to thank the Mercy Labor and Delivery team, the On Angels’ Wings organization, and their church family for the many ways they have supported the family throughout this loss.

A private graveside service will be held to honor Anna Jess.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made directly to the family to support medical and burial costs. You can also donate at https://www.gofundme.com/f/supporting-the-masterson-family.

“Anna the prophetess was also there, a daughter of Phanuel from the tribe of Asher. She was by now a very old woman. She had been married seven years and a widow for eighty-four. She never left the Temple area, worshipping night and day with her fastings and prayers. At the very time Simeon was praying, she showed up, broke into an anthem of praise to God, and talked about the child to all who were waiting expectantly for the freeing of Jerusalem.”

Luke 2: 36-38 MSG