Jennifer Elaine Rulo, 39, of New Florence, MO passed away peacefully at her home on Sunday, August 23rd, 2026.

Jennifer was born on September 3rd, 1986 in St. Louis, MO to Joe and Myra Rulo. She was a little sister to Matt Powell (Amanda), and Mindy Gehlbach (Danny) and a big sister to Tori Rulo. Growing up, Jennifer loved to dance, play Barbies, spend as much time outside as possible, and hang with her siblings and friends. It was evident at a young age that family and friends were most important to her, and helping people was ingrained in her soul.

14 years ago, Jennifer fell for Chris Prior and together, they’ve raised 6 children. Being a mother was her most favorite title in life and she loved her children fiercely. She was a mother to Ky Rulo-Townsend, Austyn Rulo-Townsend, and Everett Prior and a bonus mom to Isaac, Tesslla, and Nevaeh. Jennifer was the mom who did all the things: made all the cakes, went to all the games, attended every school function, celebrated every birthday and holiday. She never missed a crazy sock day or a chance to celebrate the accomplishments of her children, even if that meant getting even less sleep or having less time in her day. Jennifer was born to be a mother and she took immense pride and care in filling this role.

Time, energy, love, and patience were all things Jennifer gave in abundance. There was no doubt that all of these qualities would contribute to her being an amazing and well-respected nurse. She served at Mercy Hospital in Washington, Missouri but also devoted her time as a substitute school nurse at her kid’s school. During her career, Jennifer touched so many lives; not only of her patients but her fellow nurses and caregivers who worked alongside her. She was a tremendous advocate for her patients and was able to make even the most stubborn ones fall in love with her.

Jennifer loved to spend her free time with her family and loved being on the water; creek, lake, ocean, it didn’t matter, but she loved the beach the most. She also loved to read, shop, and travel whenever she got the chance.

She was a much-beloved mother, partner, daughter, sister, aunt, niece, granddaughter, cousin, and friend and will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved her. Jennifer leaves behind a legacy of selflessness, thoughtfulness, kindness, and will continue to be an inspiration to the many people she touched and impacted over her too short time on this earth. 

A Funeral Service with the Nurse Honor Guard with be held at 1:00 PM on Saturday, August 29, 2026, at Schlanker Funeral Home in Montgomery City, Missouri. Interment will follow in the New Florence Cemetery.

A Visitation will be held on Saturday, August 29, 2026, from 11:00 AM until the time of the service at Schlanker Funeral Home.

Memorial Contributions are suggested to Jennifer's family, checks may be made payable to Chris Prior, c/o Schlanker Funeral Home, 207 Danville Road, Montgomery City, Missouri 63361.