Born July 10, 1923, Jean Eloise Rowell spent 95 years living life as only

she could! The 3rd of 6 children born to lda and Cannis Pettit, she was a

consort to each and every one of them. Whether tom boying with her

brothers or cooking with her sister and mother, she was a comfortable

companion.

Naturally athletic as a girl she played several sports. ln high school she

was a drum majorette, twirling baton at football games. She played

baseball and basketball and upon joining the Navy during WWll,

she was recruited to the Navy's female teams.

Often her team was flown from Corpus Christi Naval Air Station to another

airbase to play an opposing female team. Then upon return, she would

work her overnight shift at the hospital caring for injured airmen.

When she first arrived at Corpus Christi she was feeling ill and not hungry.

A sailor who was serving KP duty on the chow line persisted in trying to get

her to eat something. He got her to take some food then he got her to take

him serious. She married Earl Ray Rowell Feb 10th of 1944.

Though they were told they would be split up if they married, they did

anyway with Ray being transferred to the fleet enroute for the invasion of

Japan. The fleet turned around when the first atomic bomb was dropped.

Alter the war Jean and Ray attended college at Michigan State University

where two sons, Richard and Barry were born. In 1957 a daughter, Joleen

was born and lived just 18 months before succumbing to leukemia.

Jean and Ray's life took the family across the country living in OH, Ml, CA,

TX, lA, KS, FL, SD, NE, lL, and MO. All moves for Ray's work in the oil and

gas industry. Jean's career began when the boys were old enough,

teaching elementary grades in school. Jean loved to fish and would at the

mention of the word right up until this past year. She would literally wear

you out fishing.

After many moves and several career changes, Jean and Ray settled in

Springfield, MO in 1983. They were members of the Baha'i Faith and active

in the local community here. Ray passed in 1997.

For the past 4 1/2 years Jean resided in the MO Veteran's Home in Mt.

Vernon where she was known as a woman "serious about fishing and

BINGO". She was awarded several trophies for her accomplishments and it seemed to tickle her to out fish her fellow vets!

Many thanks go out to the Staff at MO Veteran's Home, MT. Vernon, MO and Hospice Compassus for the years of care and love they showed upon Mom.

Jean is survived by her two sons Richard and wife Judy and Barry, 5 grandchildren and 12 great grandchildren.

Arrangements will be handled by Klingner-Cope Family Funeral Home at Rivermonte, Springfield, MO. There will be a visitation held Tuesday May 21st from 5-7 pm in the funeral home. Graveside services will be held on Wednesday May 22nd at 10am at Rivermonte Memorial Gardens, Springfield, MO.

Memorial gifts in honor of Jean can be sent to St. Jude's Hospital or the MO Veterans Home, 1600 S Hickory, Mt. Vernon, MO 65712.