Imogene Jean' VanMatre, age 76, passed away January 14, 2012, in Springfield Rehabilitation and Health Center, Springfield, Missouri. Jean was born on June 30, 1935 in Fort Smith, Arkansas, the daughter of Leslie Thurman and Carmen Hathaway Sizemore, now deceased. She married Jackie Benton VanMatre, now deceased, in 1953 and divorced in 1983. Jean lived across America, enjoying the beauty and diversity of Arkansas, Oklahoma, Oregon, Utah, California and Nevada, before settling in Springfield in 1968. She enjoyed tending her rose gardens, spoiling her pets, bird watching, an eclectic taste in music and was an avid football fan. Her career spanned many vocations, including; managing a family automotive business, sales and homemaker. Jean is survived by her four children; Laura Hemenway; Jack VanMatre and his wife, Crystal; Katrina VanMatre; and Michael VanMatre and his wife, Jennifer; eight grandchildren; as well as a loving and generous extended family and group of friends. Memorial Services will be held Monday, January 23, 2012 at 10:00 a.m. at Immaculate Conception Chapel, 3555 South Fremont Avenue, Springfield, Missouri. In lieu of flowers, the family hopes to dedicate a Memorial Bench in Nathaniel Greene Park. Donations may be sent in the memory of Jean VanMatre to Springfield Greene County Park Board, 1923 North Weller, Springfield, Missouri 65803.