Barbara Anne Ruark, 89, of Washburn, Mo. passed away Wednesday, April 29, 2026 at Hampton Place Healthcare in Rogers, Ark.

She was born April 5, 1937 in Denver, Colo., the daughter of Carroll Shepard and Bessie (Smith) Miles, who preceded her in death. 

Also preceding her in death was her husband, Kenneth Ruark; infant son, David Wayne; daughter, Linda; grandson, Eric Ruark; brothers, Cecil Miles, Charles Miles, and Fred Miles; sister, Eleanor and daughter-in-law, Judy Loyd.

Survivors include her sons, Steven Ray Ruark of Claremore, Okla., and Jerry Lee Ruark and wife Tarrie of Washburn, Mo.; daughters, Mary Jane Siefken and her husband Robert of Ozark, Mo. and Ruth Coonce and her husband Pat of Garfield, Ark.; brother, Michael Miles and wife Joyce of Washburn, Mo.; sister, Kathleen Carr and husband Sam of Rose, Okla.; thirteen grandchildren and numerous great grandchildren.

She grew up in Washburn, where she attended school and proudly graduated from Washburn High School as valedictorian. She dedicated many years of her career to FASCO Industries, serving as a supervisor until her retirement. Barbara had previously worked as a teacher’s aide with the Southwest School System and was employed by Justin Boot. She furthered her education by studying computer programming in college.

She was a member of the Church of Christ, and attended services in Washburn, Mo., Exeter, Mo., and Garfield, Ark. 

Services will be held at 11:00 A.M. Saturday, May 9, 2026 at Fohn Funeral Home in Cassville. Brother Gary Blackburn will conduct the services. Burial will be at Hickman Cemetery in Washburn, Mo.

The family will receive friends from 6:00 until 7:00 P.M. Friday, May 8, 2026 at Fohn Funeral Home in Cassville.

Contributions may be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital in memory of Barbara.