Jody Ann Asher, 72, of Ozark, MO, died gently Tuesday, April 14, 2026, in Mercy Hospital, Springfield, MO, with her family by her side, following a courageous multi-year battle with cancer.

Born in Springfield, MO, on September 30, 1953, to Randy and Margaret (McCall) O’Dell, Jody had a deep and lasting commitment to her faith in Jesus that was reinforced by her parents, brother, and grandparents. Jody’s life took her to several states and Germany to make her home. She always took her faith in Jesus with her and was active in local churches wherever she lived.

Jody graduated from Strafford High School in 1971. She continued her education at Southwest Missouri State University (now Missouri State University) with a BS in Psychology and Early Childhood Development. She also held an MA in Counseling and Administration from University of Wisconsin–Milwaukee.

Jody was a talented dancer and studied for several years at Walker’s Studio, in Springfield, MO. She enjoyed her time supporting early productions at Springfield Little Theater.

Jody married Riley Asher in 1974, and they were only a few weeks from their 52-wedding anniversary.  Jody committed herself to supporting Riley’s career, and upon graduation followed him to his first military assignment.  In 1976, Riley’s first significant assignment was in Germany, where Jody found her passion for teaching. Jody’s preference was to teach young children, and she stayed with the youngest age groups for the next 28 years. After the military, Jody and Riley made their family home in Green Bay, WI, for the next 22 years. Jody’s career continued in Green Bay, where she worked as a teacher in a multi-campus private school and retired in 2004 as the Managing Director of one of their campus locations.

A career change took Jody and Riley back to their roots in 2004 with a move to Ozark, MO.  Jody continued to teach by beginning a long commitment to ladies’ bible study, first in one-on-one teaching and discipling which eventually grew into multiple locations in Ozark, Nixa, and Springfield, MO. Ladies from several churches were involved in studying God’s word together every week with some groups staying together for over 10 years. Even after her cancer diagnosis, Jody provided leadership to these groups until her health recently prevented her from continuing.

Jody was an active member of Lifepoint Church, Ozark, MO, and wherever she went she spoke Jesus into people’s lives. During her 6 ½ year cancer treatment, God gave her unique opportunities to encourage medical staff and patients at clinics and hospitals in Springfield and St. Louis.  As a lifelong student of God’s word, she was well equipped to present the Gospel of Jesus Christ.

Jody is survived by her devoted husband Riley; son Andrew Asher and his wife Sofiya; daughter Aleesha Perry and her husband Tyler; Grandsons Alex Asher and Micah Perry; Granddaughter Savannah Perry. She also leaves behind nephew Mark O’Dell and his wife Adele; niece Briget Barnes and her husband Duane; sisters-in-law, Marilyn O’Dell and Gale Matson and her husband Bob; great-niece, Jerrin and her daughter, Hadley; and mother-in-law, Gaye Wheeler, who recently celebrated her 95^th birthday.

Jody was preceded in death by her parents, Randy and Margaret O’Dell; her brother Mac O’Dell; and her nephew Rob O’Dell.

Jody will be deeply missed by her family and large network of friends. Known for her warm and compassionate heart and genuine devotion to the people she knew and loved, only God can fill the vacancy she leaves behind.

Visitation will be from 5:00 to 7:00 P.M., Friday, April 24, 2026, at Greenlawn Funeral Home East.  The Celebration of Life service will be at 3:00 P.M., Saturday, April 25, 2026, at Lifepoint Church, 51 Riverdale Road, Ozark, MO, with a reception afterward for all her family and friends.

In lieu of flowers please consider a charitable donation to Care to Learn, Springfield, MO at https://caretolearn.org