Gentry "Allen" Ruark

He was born on August 24, 1939, in Vian, Oklahoma, to Charley and Elsie (Goodwin) Ruark. He graduated from Sallisaw High School in Sallisaw, Oklahoma, in 1956. Allen attended Connor State College in Warner, Oklahoma, and finished earning his degree in math and science from Northwestern State University in Tahlequah, Oklahoma.

In 1960, he moved to the Kansas City area after accepting a teaching position at Raytown South Junior High School in Raytown, Missouri. He later earned his master's degree from the University of Missouri-Kansas City. Allen married the love of his life, Brenda (Barker) Ruark, on February 23, 1962. Together, they created a home in Raytown, Missouri, before relocating to Platte City, Missouri, in 2019. He adored Brenda until the end, with her name being the last word he spoke. The couple had recently celebrated 63 years of marriage with a beautiful family dinner.

During his 35 years of teaching, Allen touched and influenced hundreds of young lives. He always went the extra mile for his students. Allen also enjoyed a second career as a part-time driver for Jefferson Line Bus Company and later for Sunset Tours. He had the opportunity to meet many interesting people and visit numerous destinations. His professionalism and gentle mannerisms led to many requests for his services.

An avid outdoorsman, Allen grew up hunting and fishing. He cherished fishing trips to Canada, Oklahoma, and the Lake of the Ozarks. He also loved camping with his family, making countless priceless memories on road trips and cruises with his family and in-laws. As a father and grandpa, Allen was deeply involved in his family’s lives. He made it a priority to never miss a school or sporting event. He was immensely proud of his children, son-in-law, daughter-in-law, and grandchildren, often bragging about them. He also enjoyed playing cards, dominoes, and taking occasional trips to the casino.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Charley and Elsie (Goodwin) Ruark; brothers Autho Ruark, Dee Ruark, Clayton Ruark, and Frank Ruark; sister Gracie (Ruark) Pinson; brothers-in-law Elmo Pinson, Kenny Maib, Frank (FJ) Bowers, Dan Ellis, Barry Barker, and Benny Barker; sisters-in-law Bette Maib, Beverly Bowers, Barbra Ellis, Earlene Barker, Pat (Dee) Barker, and Susie Ruark; as well as niece Cheryl (Ellis) Taraskewich and nephews Robert Ruark, Dennis Ruark, Shane Ruark, and Charles Pinson.

He is survived by his wife, Brenda (Barker) Ruark, of Platte City, Missouri; daughter Dr. Tracey (Ruark) Miller (Mike) of Weston, Missouri; son Chris Ruark (Dana) of Liberty, Missouri; grandchildren Phillip Ruark (Addie) of Holt, Missouri, Michaela (Miller) Dudley (Nathan) of Dearborn, Missouri, Elizabeth Ruark of Nashville, Tennessee, Nick Miller of Agency, Missouri; step-great-grandson Gunner Wynn (Phillip and Addie); brother-in-law Jim Hanes; sister-in-law Bernece Hanes; sister-in-law Helen Ruark; and many nieces, nephews, and great and great great nieces and nephews who he dearly loved.

He will be remembered as a kind, soft-spoken, and gentle man who loved his family with all his heart. He was always the go-to person for questions or any need that arose. He will be deeply missed by his family and friends.

Visitation will be at Floral Hills 7000 Blue Ridge Blvd., Kansas City, Missouri 64133 on Monday March 17, 2025 from 1:00 pm to 2:00 pm with a funeral service starting at 2:00 pm.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests contributions to the Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s Research.

The family would also like to extend their gratitude to Ascend Hospice, especially nurse Jennifer and social worker Bri, for their unwavering support and guidance through this difficult time.