Jean Graham

Norma Jean Graham, born September 14, 1931, to Rhuel E. Routh and Leola M. (McGee) Routh, passed away peacefully on April 12, 2026, leaving behind a legacy of love, friendship, and joyful connection with others.

Jean was preceded in death by four siblings: June, Bud, Andy, and Linda. She is survived by her three sisters, Judy, Jan, and Mary Ellen.

Jean spent her school years in the Springfield Public Schools, graduating from Springfield High School in 1949. She continued her education at Southwest Missouri State College (SMS), where she began what would become a lifelong love of dancing and community.

Introduced to square dancing through her sister, June, a physical education major and early member of the college’s square dance club, Jean joined the group in 1951. This group would later become known as The Promenaders Square Dance Club. Jean danced with the Promenaders on the Ozark Jubilee TV show until her marriage in 1959, a time she fondly remembered as one of the most wonderful seasons of her life.

Jean first married Marty Wood, a world champion saddle bronc rider from Alberta, Canada. They had one son, Chip Wood, who is married to Shierine and resides in Springfield. Jean was also blessed with a granddaughter, Devan, and a great granddaughter, Maxwell.

Later, Jean married Dwight Graham, and together they made their home in Tyler, Texas, for many years before eventually returning to Springfield. Through this marriage, Jean gained two stepsons, Joel and Don Graham, as well as Don’s wife Jane, their son, Tyler, and daughter, Kelsey, and three step-grandchildren who reside in Texas. Dwight preceded her in death in 2007.

Jean had a special gift for bringing people together. She genuinely loved conversation, friendships, and the simple joy of being with others. Her time with the Promenaders and the Rodeo world led to lifelong friendships that she cherished deeply.

In her later years, Jean remained active, enjoying antiquing trips with her sisters—a pastime that reflected both her love of history and her enduring family bonds.

Jean had a generous spirit and believed in helping people. She often made clothing donations to Crosslines Community Outreach in Springfield and volunteered her time there when she was able.

In addition to her immediate family, Jean is survived by two loving sisters-in-law, Kay Routh and Alice Zago, and many nieces and nephews and their children who adored her and will carry her memory forward with love.

Jean will be remembered for her warm spirit, her love of people, and the lasting connections she made throughout her life. Her legacy lives on in her family and in the many friendships she nurtured over the years.

Visitation will be held Saturday, April 25, 2026 from 12:00 - 1:00 PM followed by funeral service at 1:00 PM in Gorman-Scharpf Funeral Home. Burial in Mount Pleasant Cemetery in Charity, Missouri will be after the funeral service.