Gina Michelle (Cowan) Zukel

Gina Michelle (Cowan) Zukel, 64, of Independence, Missouri, passed away March 1, 2026, in hospice care with her family by her side after battling breast cancer. Gina was born on July 20, 1961, in Kansas City, Missouri.

Gina provided for her family through her work as a paralegal, property manager, and human resources specialist with the Department of Veterans Affairs.

Gina was passionate about spending time with her grandchildren, playing games, and telling her outrageous stories. She loved knitting, gardening, beaches, traveling, and music. Her relationship with God was very close to her heart, and she loved having conversations that deepened her walk with Jesus. She found a spiritual home at Eastside Church.

Gina is survived by her children, Shannon Cowan; Sidni Betterton (Justin); and Sophia Zukel; and her grandchildren Alex, Aeja, Adrian, Oliver, Samuel, Michael, Olivia, Isabella, Gabriella, Daizy, and Violette. She is also survived by her father, Michael Cowan, and stepmother, Sharon Cowan; and her siblings Ty Cowan, Georganne Cauthorn, Tim Cowan (Lisa), and Genni Rogers (Dave). She was preceded in death by her mother, Sonita Cowan, and her son, Gabriel Zukel.

Gina will be remembered for her humor, generosity, and the love she showed her family and friends. She will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved her.

A Celebration of Life service will be held on Saturday, March 14, at 2:00 p.m. at Eastside Church, 19901 MO-78, Independence, MO 64057. Family and friends are invited to join in celebrating Gina’s life.