Ruth Elizabeth Bard

October 7, 1941 – September 4, 2025

With faith in her heart and love in her hands, Ruth Bard passed at the age of 83, surrounded by the legacy she so beautifully nurtured—her family.

Born on October 7, 1941, in Anaconda, Montana, Ruth grew up to live a life filled with purpose, creativity, and faith. After graduating from Crater High School in Central Point, Oregon, in 1959, she married the love of her life, Garreth Elden Bard, on February 21, 1960, at Philadelphia Church. Their union was a partnership of a lifetime—marked by love, ministry, and shared adventure.

A gifted musician, Ruth taught piano lessons from her home, joyfully pouring her heart into the lives of young students. As her children grew, she continued her calling in service, taking on secretarial roles with both the Union Gospel Mission and a Korean church—always with grace, diligence, and a servant’s heart.

Ruth’s hands were rarely idle. She had a deep love for crafting and homemaking—knitting, sewing, cross-stitching, and canning were among her favorite pastimes. These quiet joys were expressions of her care for others and her appreciation of life’s simple blessings.

Her adventurous spirit carried her far beyond her humble beginnings. She explored the grandeur of the western United States, the majesty of Alaska and Hawaii, and the rich heritage of England, Scotland, and Wales. She and Gary made treasured memories traveling through Italy, after which Ruth faithfully journeyed on a short-term mission trip to Romania and Russia—carrying the light of Christ wherever she went. One of her most memorable trips was a bus tour through the nine northeastern states, from Maine to Pennsylvania—just one more chapter in a well-traveled life.

Ruth was a licensed minister with the Assemblies of God, dedicating her gifts to Christian Education for children. Her lifelong commitment to the Full Gospel message and her church community shaped countless lives and left an eternal impact. She truly lived out her faith through service, teaching, and unwavering love.

Ruth’s life was not untouched by sorrow. This year, the family experienced the heartbreaking losses of Buddy Davis and her brother-in-law, James Bard Sr. Yet, through every storm, Ruth’s faith remained steadfast, her heart open, and her spirit resilient.

She is survived by her beloved husband Gary; her brother Raymond; her children—Paul, Darlene, and Pam; seven cherished grandchildren; and five great-grandchildren who will carry forward her legacy of love, strength, and faith.

Ruth will be remembered not only for what she did, but for who she was: a woman of grace, compassion, joy, and unwavering faith. Her life was a melody—sweet, strong, and full of harmony—and though she has reached her final rest, the music of her life will echo on in the hearts of all who knew and loved her.