Jean Carol Rayl went home to be with her Lord and Savior on October 1, 2018.

Jean was born on November 18, 1925 to Brandt and Edith Gaffga and was a life long resident of Springfield, Mo.  She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband, Jim, her sister, Emily Gaffga and her brother, Robert Gaffga, and her son-in-law, James (Jim) Mott.  She is survived by her children, Douglas Keith Rayl of Nixa, Mo and Brenda Elaine (Rayl) Mott of Springfield, Mo.

After graduating from Springfield High School (Central High School), Jean took business classes and excelled in secretarial skills.  One of her first jobs was taking dictation from physicians at O'Reilly General Hospital (current day Evangel College) during World War II.  She then worked as secretary to President Ellis at Southwest Missouri State (now MSU).  One of her last jobs was serving as secretary at First Congregational Church where she worked part-time so she could also be able to focus on her family.

Jean married the love her life, Jim Rayl on November 22, 1953.  It was a marriage that lasted 47 years until Jim's death in 2000.  From this marriage came two children, Doug and Elaine who were the light of their lives (well most of the time). Jean was very much loved by her kids and never stopped "being a mom."  Her sage advice and loving, nurturing ways will be sorely missed.

Jean had a passion for history and was quite the expert in Ozarks history.  She was a past member of the Greene County Historical Society and was a founding member of the Union Campground Cemetery Association, which she served as president for many years.

Jean was a faithful member of Wesley United Methodist Church for the past ten years.  She was involved in the women's circle and loved her Sunday School class, Faith Walkers.  Most recently she enjoyed being a part of the Wesley Community Garden where she spent many evenings wandering the paths, helping pick produce and watching beautiful sunsets with her daughter.  She truly loved the outdoors, and the splendor of fall was her favorite time of year.

Jean's zest for life shined on her face nearly every day.  She was vivacious, kind and loving to the very end.

Funeral services will be held on Monday, October 8, 2018 at 11:00 AM at Wesley UMC. A visitation will be held from 6:30 – 8:00 PM on Sunday, October 7 at Gorman-Scharpf Funeral Home. Burial will take place Tuesday at 10:00 AM at Missouri Veterans Cemetery.

Jean always loved flowers so they are welcomed, or donations may be made to the music program, or community garden at Wesley United Methodist Church.