Jean Ringenberg peacefully passed from her earthly life on January 23, 2012, with her children at her side. Jean was born in Springfield Mo. on October 30, 1925, daughter of Elmer and Ada Eggers. She graduated from Senior High in Springfield and soon after started working as a PBX operator at SW Bell Telephone. In 1949 she married Herman Ringenberg. Together they built a home on the Ringenberg farm west of Springfield where they raised their family. Jean was an active member of Bethany Christian Church and Republic Christian Church. In her later years she regularly attended Schweitzer UMC. She was preceded in death by her husband, parents and brothers, Harold and Walter. She is survived by children, Jeanie, Mark, Jim and wife, Sandy; brother, Robert and wife, Bonnie; 6 grandchildren; and 6 great-grandchildren. Her zest for life and wonderful wit made her much beloved by family and friends.
Following are a collection of memories from her family:
-Warm blonde brownies and banana bread waiting when we got off the school bus
-She made every birthday and holiday very special for kids, grandkids and great-grandkids
-She wasn't just a bowler, she was known as "Mean Jean the Bowling Machine"
-Very competitive in poker, dominoes, wii bowling, cards (a pinochle wiz)
-Loved reading and she taught us all to enjoy a good mystery and crossword puzzles
-Unmatched pie crust maker resulting in the world's greatest peach cobbler and cherry pie
-Loved her collection of kewpie dolls and bells
-Was elated when driving her 1966, candy-apple red mustang
-Family food favorites she excelled at: fork cookies, cheesy potatoes, white beans, pineapple glazed ham and Ringenber goulash
-Taught us dog latin, which by the way, is much harder than pig latin
-Luckily for us her full-time job was being a mom, grandmother and great-grandmother and we will miss her very much because she was sweet, spunky, funny and joyful

Jean appreciated reconnecting to her high school friends in recent yearts and enjoyed making many wonderful new friends at The Gardens Independent Living Center. In recognition of the compassionate care received from Flori and Enid, the family suggests donations to Hospice and Palliative Care of Springfield, 2432 E. Madrid Avenue, Springfield, MO 65804.

Visitation will be at Gorman-Scharpf Funeral Home, Thursday, January 26, 2012 from 6-8 PM. Graveside services will be held at Brookline Cemetery Friday 10 AM with Reverend Bob Hubbard officiating.

One of Jean's favorite quotes: "Nothing is ever too big too handle. Take life one step at a time. Have fun. Enjoy every minute of it, because before you know it, you'll be looking back saying, look what I've created, it's magnificent."
Gorman-Scharpf Funeral Home