Jessica S. Heide (née Schmidt), age 46, of DeSoto, Missouri, passed away on July 23, 2026. She was born on September 6, 1979, in St. Louis, Missouri.

If you knew Jessica, you knew laughter. You knew her quick wit, her sarcastic sense of humor, and that she was never one to sugarcoat what she was thinking. She was an incredible storyteller, bringing people in with her humor, her passion, and the way she shared even the simplest moments of life. She wore her heart on her sleeve, you always knew when something brought her joy, and you always knew when she had something to say

Jessica loved fiercely, laughed loudly, stood up for the people she cared about, and lived with a heart that was beautifully, unapologetically real.

Jessica built a life centered around the people and causes she loved most. She was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, daughter, sister, aunt, and friend. In recent years, she became a passionate special needs champion at Simpson Elementary, where she dedicated herself to supporting and advocating for children who needed someone in their corner. Her compassion, patience, and ability to make children feel valued left a lasting impact on many lives.

Jessica found her greatest joy in her family. She was a loving wife to Darek Heide, a devoted mother to her five children, and recently became a proud grandmother to Rhett, who was born in September 2025. Becoming "Lolli" was a beautiful new chapter in her life.

When Jessica and Darek decided their family was complete, Jessica simply found more hearts to love - animals! She fell in love with dozens of them over the years, welcoming each into her life with the same compassion and joy of her kids...especially her beloved cow, Mabel, who held a very special place in her heart and brought her endless happiness.

Jessica is survived by her husband, Darek Heide; her five children, Blake Clubbs (Katie) and their son Rhett; Izabella Wilhite; Charlette Heide; Harrison Heide; Mabrie Heide. She is also survived by her mother, Mary Schmidt; her sister, Denise Parker (Frank; son Luka); and her brothers K. Michael Schmidt Jr. (Amanda; sons Bennett, Brooks, Baker, and Beau) and Nicholas Schmidt (Jill; children Mason, Drake, Millie, and Dylan).

Jessica was preceded in death by her father, Kenneth Schmidt Sr.; also, her grandparents, Lester and Rita Schmidt & J. Coleman and Ellen Weber.

Jessica's loss is a heartbreaking reminder that even those who seem to be the brightest light in the lives of others may be carrying burdens we cannot see. While the pain of losing her is immeasurable, so too is the impact she made on the lives of everyone who is fortunate enough to know her.

A celebration of Jessica's life will be held Saturday, August 15, 2026, at New Hope Fellowship Church, located at 5919 Antire Road, High Ridge, Missouri 63049. Visitation will be open house style from 9:00-11:00 AM and a memorial service beginning at 11:00 AM.

Guests are encouraged to wear their favorite outfit as Jessica always did! Please dress in colors and prints, avoiding all black.

Memorial Contributions

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that memorial contributions be made through Jessica's family fundraising site:

https://fundrazr.com/HEIDEFAMILY

A portion of the funds raised will support the special needs students at Simpson Elementary, a cause that held a very special place in Jessica's heart. Donations will continue the love, encouragement, and support that Jessica so passionately gave to these children.