Evelyn Joyce (Ruark) Leonard, of Greenfield, MO, died Friday, July 2, 2010 in the Dade County Nursing Home at the age of 80 years.
She was born on October 16, 1929 to the late "David" Elmer Ruark and Dorothy Pauline (Copeland) Ruark in Olinger, MO. She was an only child. Evelyn attended school in South Greenfield and Greenfield, graduating from SMS in 1951 with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Education. She was a member of the Alpha Delta Pi Sorority. Evelyn began her first job after graduation on June 11, 1951 with the U.S.G.S. in Rolla as a cartographic photogrammetric aide. She met her future husband, Silvester, in Rolla where he was starting his first job with U.S.G.S., too. They were married on October 13, 1951 in Greenfield. Because of military service and civilian employment, they moved several times. They have lived in Maryland, Oklahoma, and Texas.
Upon retirement, they returned to Greenfield, where Evelyn served as Treasurer and played the piano for Greenfield United Methodist Church for over 20 years. Evelyn was an active member of the Greenfield Ladies Literary and Civic Club and the Columbia Chapter 488 O.E.S. She was an accomplished quilter and a skilled seamstress. One of her afghans won "Best of Show" at the 1979 State Fair of Texas.
Evelyn was a 50 year member of the Eastern Star and was Worthy Matron of Bartlesville Chapter 142, O.E.S. in 1965. She and Silvester were charter members of the Oak Park United Methodist Church in Bartlesville, OK.
Evelyn is survived by her husband of 59 years, and several cousins.
She was an all-around good person. A good wife, friend, confidant, and companion. Her basic philosophy can be found on one of her many pieces of framed needlework:"I shall pass this way but once. Therefore, any good that I can do, or any kindness that I can show, let me do it now for I shall pass this way but once."
Services will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Thursday, July 8, 2010 in Greenfield United Methodist Church with Pastor Travis James officiating. Burial will follow in Pennsboro Cemetery. Visitation will be held on Wednesday evening from 7:00 to 8:00 p.m. in the funeral chapel. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Greenfield United Methodist Church or to the Southwest Missouri Humane Society. Services are under the care of Greenfield Funeral Chapel.
