Glenda G. McGinnis

Glenda Gail McGinnis, 81, of La Monte, Missouri, passed away Friday, January 16, 2026, at her home, surrounded by her family.

She was born September 13, 1944, in Ft. Myers, Florida, one of two daughters of Lawrence G. Reynolds and Margie M. (Taylor) Lutjen. On July 17, 1965, in La Monte, she was united in marriage to Jack McGinnis.

Glenda attended Central Missouri State University, where she earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Education. She devoted 27 years to teaching elementary students, first in Knob Noster and then primarily in La Monte. After retiring from teaching, she worked for seven years in her daughter’s medical practice.

Glenda truly loved children and had a special heart for those who needed extra care and attention. She enjoyed making flower arrangements, painting, and reading, and she loved animals of all kinds, including caring for wild animals. She will be remembered as kind and giving, with a sassy and stubborn streak she wore well. She was intelligent, creative, and deeply compassionate.

She was “the best” mother and grandmother who was always present and involved in their sports and activities.

Survivors include her husband of 60 years, Jack McGinnis, of the home; two daughters, Julie Cahill (Dan) of La Monte and Marci McGinnis of Polk City, Iowa; one son, Jeremy Cox of Green Ridge, Missouri; eight grandchildren, Ebrinn and Kieran Cahill; Madi, Kennedy, McKinley, and Kuiper Nelson; and Landon and Lydia Cox; and her beloved dog, Clancy.

She was preceded in death by her parents; her stepfather, Harry Lutjen; and her sister, Marsha Simpson.

The family will receive friends beginning at 1:00 p.m. Tuesday, January 20, 2026, at Heckart Funeral Home, where a celebration of life service will follow at 2:00 p.m.

Memorial contributions are suggested to Show-Me Christian Youth Home or the Sedalia Animal Shelter.