Jean R. Mace

Jean R. Mace died Sunday morning at St. John's Hospital in Springfield. Jean was born February 23, 1927. She attended Greenwood High School and studied engineering at Illinois University and journalism at University of Missouri. Jean finished college, earning Associate of Arts and Bachelor of Science degrees from Drury University while well into her 60's. Jean enjoyed a rewarding career in her family's business, Rubenstein's Store in Springfield. After the business closed in 1984, she returned to school and became a certified paralegal. She remained active with the Southwest Missouri Paralegal Association, serving a term as president and program chairman and publishing the organization's monthly newsletter until her death. She often served as a tutor to those training to become paralegals. She was a 40-year-plus active member of the Renaissance Art Group Chapter of Southwest Missouri Museum Associates and was active in the Psi Psi Psi organization. Jean loved helping others. She had been a volunteer reading tutor at Eugene Field and other elementary schools in Springfield for many years. Jean was preceded in death by her parents, Hershel M. Rubenstein and Ann S. (Pitzele) Rubenstein. She is survived by a son, Bob Mace of Springfield; a daughter, Cynthia Dude of Colorado Springs, Colo.; and grandchildren, Andrew Dude, Eric Dude and Rachel Mace. Jean will be missed by her family and her many friends. Funeral arrangements are under the direction of Gorman-Scharpf Funeral Home. Visitation will be from 5 to 6:30 p.m. this evening at Gorman-Scharpf Brentwood Chapel. Services will be at 3 p.m. Thursday, also at Gorman-Scharpf Chapel, with interment immediately following in The Temple Israel Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that memorial contributions be made to Eugene Field Elementary School Reading Buddies Program, Temple Israel or Southwest Missouri Museum Associates.