Jill R. (Monroe) Utley

Jill R. (Monroe) Utley, 54, of Sedalia, formerly of Phoenix, AZ, passed away Friday, May 23, 2025, at Bothwell Regional Health Center.

She was born on November 3, 1970, in Centralia, IL, a daughter of James and Joyce (Stokes) Monroe.

Jill graduated from Clinton Community High School in 1988. She continued her academic journey at Western Illinois University, earning her degree in 1992. Driven by a calling to serve and heal, she went on to receive her Doctor of Medicine from the University of Illinois in 2001.

A devoted member of the Christian Medical & Dental Association, Jill practiced Internal Medicine with Mission of Mercy in Phoenix, Arizona, where her care touched the lives of countless patients. Her heart for missions led her across the globe, where she served on three international medical mission trips to Cambodia, Ghana, and Benin — offering healing hands and hope to communities in need.

Jill was an active worshiper of both La Monte Christian Church and Parkview Christian Church, where her faith flourished. In her free time, she found peace in cross stitching, joy in collecting pig-themed memorabilia, and inspiration from Christian music and podcasts. An avid walker and nature lover, Jill especially enjoyed hiking the trails of Camelback Mountain in Phoenix.

Jill’s legacy is one of kindness, strength, and quiet perseverance. Her life was a beautiful blend of science and faith, intellect and compassion. She will be deeply missed by all who knew her and forever remembered for her servant’s heart.

She is survived by parents Jim and Joyce Monroe of Sedalia; one sister, Jody Shoup and her husband Don of Orrville, OH; two nephews, Jake Shoup and his wife Alyssa, and Joel Shoup and his wife Bethany.

Visitation will be held on Friday, June 6, 2025, from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at Heckart Funeral Home in Sedalia. Memorial services will be held at 4:00 p.m. on Saturday, June 7, 2025, at the funeral home. Memorial contributions are suggested to Little Galilee Christian Camp & Retreat Center (7539 Little Galilee Rd. Clinton, IL 61727) or Cancer Perks (2304 W. Broadway Blvd. Sedalia, MO. 65301).