(From Parker Mortuary)Ruth Ellen Clark, 96, of Joplin, Missouri, passed away on April 23, 2026, at Westgate at Wildwood Ranch, a nursing facility. She was born on September 26, 1929, in Detroit, Michigan, to Clarence and Dinah (Ziemer) Alford.
Ruth grew up in Detroit and graduated from high school there before attending Bible School in Springfield, Missouri and Canada. Her faith was an important part of her life, and she lived as a devoted Christian throughout her years. She carried herself with quiet strength, kindness, and grace, and those who knew her were blessed by her loving, generous, and selfless spirit.
She was a pastor’s wife with Charles and played an integral part in the many Methodist churches they pastored with devotion and care. In Centerview Methodist Church, her flannel graph stories and Bible lessons were famous and loved by adults and children alike.
Ruth also worked for many years at Rangeline Wal-Mart in Joplin, where she retired after 27 years in the fabric department. She took pride in her work and in the relationships she built over the years, and she was known for her dependable nature and warm smile.
Ruth found great joy in her family. She made every one of our birthdays and holidays special. She especially loved making quilts for her grandchildren. Her hands were often busy creating something beautiful and useful for the people she loved most. Her quilts were more than handmade gifts, as they were expressions of her love, affection, and thoughtfulness. She treasured time with her children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren, and her family was the center of her heart.
Ruth found great joy in her family. She made every one of our birthdays and holidays special. She especially loved making quilts for her grandchildren. Her hands were often busy creating something beautiful and useful for the people she loved most. Her quilts were more than handmade gifts, as they were expressions of her love, affection, and thoughtfulness. She treasured time with her children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren, and her family was the center of her heart.
She is survived by her sons, Dan Clark (Avis) of Duquesne, Missouri; David Clark of Wentzville, Missouri; her daughters, Diana Gladfelter (Greg) of Warrensburg, Missouri; Joyce Stephens (Perry) of Bella Vista, Arkansas; and Carol McDonald (Tim) of Greer, South Carolina; one sister, Rita Gunter of Ontario, Canada; and numerous grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
Other than her parents, Ruth was preceded in death by her husband of over 50 years, Charles Clark and a daughter, Nancy Bruffey.
A private family graveside service will take place at a later date at Ozark Memorial Park Cemetery in Joplin, Missouri.
Cremation arrangements are under the direction of Parker Mortuary, Joplin, Missouri.
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