In Loving Memory of Emily Jane Ambra

With heavy hearts and deep gratitude for a life so beautifully lived, we announce the passing of Emily Jane Ambra, 46, of Hallsville, Missouri on July 29, 2025, surrounded by her loving family and held in the embrace of peace.

Visitation will be held from 4:00 - 7:00 p.m. on Tuesday, August 5, 2025, at Bach-Yager  Funeral Chapel.  A Mass of Christian Burial will be on Wednesday, August 6, 2025, at 9:30 a.m. at Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Church. Burial at Mt. ZionCemetery will follow the service.

Emily was born May 30, 1979, in Columbia, Missouri to DannyGourley and Betsy Ellis.  On October 8, 2022, she was united in marriage to John Ambra at their home in Hallsville, Missouri.She was a member of Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Church, receiving the Sacraments of Initiation in 2024 during the Easter Vigil. 

Emily was a devoted and loving mother to her children, Ada Jane Williams, Mae Ellison Williams, Taylor Marie Hill (Zach), Braden Carter Ambra, and Kaitlyn Renae Ambra. She is also survived by her husband, John; her mother, Betsy Ellis; brother, Samuel Gourley; step-mother Cheri Gourley; and sister Elizabeth Gourley (Victoria).  She is loved and will be missed by many.

Her children were the center of her world, and she poured her heart into raising them with love, wisdom, and unwavering support. Emily was Ada and Mae’s #1 volleyball fan, chasing them around the state. Emily loved being a bonus mom to Taylor, Braden, and Kaitlyn, joyfully watching all the kids laugh and bond together. Emily was proud of her party of 7 and in 2023 she watched it grow to 8 when Zach and Taylor exchanged vows.

As a wife, she shared a deep and faithful love with her husband, John—a bond marked by mutual devotion and quiet strength. As a fur mom, she had a heart that cared for all creatures, especially her loyal pup and hiking partner, Jackie Blue.

Born and raised in Columbia, Missouri, Emily valued her hometown roots and was a proud 1997 graduate of Hickman High School. In 1998, she took a position with the Tetley Groupwhere she dedicated over 20 years of committed service. In 2001,she earned a Bachelor’s degree in Computer Information Systems from Columbia College. 

Emily cherished each day with grace, purpose, and joy—embracing life’s moments both big and small. She had an extraordinary gift for uplifting those around her; quietly fighting her own battles while faithfully walking beside others through theirs. Her strength was quiet but fierce, and her presence a source of comfort and light. Above all, Emily was a kind and gentle soul, rooted deeply in her Catholic faith. She lived with compassion, humility, and a heart full of grace, always trusting in God’s will and reflecting His love in the way she cared for others.

Emily’s legacy is one of love, resilience, and faith. She will be deeply missed, but her spirit will continue to guide and inspire all who were blessed to know her.

Emily was preceded in death by her father, Danny Ralph Gourley.

Memorial contributions are suggested to Columbia Second Chance in Emily’s name via their website at www.columbia2ndchance.org or checks can be mailed to PO Box 10186, Columbia, MO 65205. Please indicate your contribution is for Emily.

Bach-Yager Funeral Chapel is honored to serve the AmbraFamily.

Online condolences and tributes may be shared with the family at www.bachyager.com