Carlene Sexton

Beverly Carlene Sexton, of Everton, Missouri, departed this life on Sunday, November 1, 2026, at the age of 88.

Carlene was born February 28, 1938, in Plumb town, six miles east of Greenfield, Missouri, to Carl B. and Leola (Duncan) Jones in a Christian home. She spent most of her life in Dade County. However, following her graduation from Greenfield High School in 1956, she moved to Kansas City and worked at the Federal Reserve Bank for 11 years.

Carlene was united in marriage to Gerald Numa Ruark on April 2, 1960. In 1967, they purchased a farm near South Greenfield and returned to Dade County. During their marriage, they were blessed with four wonderful children: Grant Numa, Gerry Neil, Carla Loraine, and Caran Elaine.

Carlene and Gerald shared 43 happy years of marriage before Gerald passed away on May 20, 2003. Following Gerald’s death, Carlene found companionship with longtime friend Lewis Ray Sexton, and they were united in marriage in July 2005.

Carlene was a beloved daughter, wife, mother, granny, sister, aunt and friend. She became a Christian at a young age and faithfully served her Lord throughout her life. 

She was a devoted member of Main Street Baptist Church for 51 years as of May 2026. Her faith in God and her love for family never wavered.

While her children were young, she devoted herself to being a homemaker, creating a home filled with love and simple joys. Her children fondly remember coming home from school to the smell of homemade chocolate chip cookies. She was never one to sit still, and her strong work ethic was evident throughout her life. She worked alongside her family on the farm, mowing and weed eating, cutting hay and then feeding it. She was mowing and weed eating well into her mid-80’s.

She later worked alongside her husband at their family-owned business, Ruark Oil, where she became known for her willingness to do whatever needed to be done. Whether washing windshields, pumping gas, fixing flat tires, or helping customers, she took pride in being helpful and never shied away from hard work. 

When her husband’s health began to decline and the station was eventually sold, she began working at Pennington Seed to help provide insurance and financial support for the family. She worked the overnight shift as a lead foreman, choosing those hours so she could be home during the day to care for her husband. Her strong work ethic, unwavering devotion to her family, and selfless spirit were evident in everything she did.

Her commitment extended beyond her home and workplace into the community she loved. She served several years as a member of the Greenfield Chamber of Commerce, helping organize and oversee many of the town’s Fourth of July celebrations. She was also a long-time member of the Better Homemakers Club and enjoyed participating in bowling leagues with her high game being 256. 

She loved to travel, attend Oak Ridge Boys concerts, and cheer on her beloved Kansas City Chiefs. Whether serving her community, spending time with family, or enjoying the things she loved, she lived life with enthusiasm, dedication, and a willingness to give of herself.

Her most cherished memories were being a part of her grandchildren’s and great grandchild’s lives as they grew up. Her family especially enjoyed her biscuits and gravy, cashew chicken, and chocolate cakes, as well as the many hours spent together supporting sports and other activities.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Gerald; her parents; baby sister, Margaret Ailene; her father- and mother-in-law, Curtis and Aletha Ruark; brother Laverne Jones; sisters-in-law JoAnne Jones and sister-in-law Barbara Jones; grandson Cody Ferwalt; Uncle James of Texas and her special Aunt Reba.

Carlene is survived by her husband, Lewis Sexton; son Grant and wife, Pepper, of Kansas City; son Gerry and wife, Carrie, of Greenfield; daughter Carla Ruark of Nixa; and daughter Caran Beasley and husband Randy, of Everton

She is also survived by seven grandchildren and one great grandchild: Tyler, Stephanie, Dylan, Carli, Carrington, Emma, Sebastian and Campbell; her brother, Byron Jones, of Springfield; and many nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.

Carlene held a special place in her heart for Tammy and Gary Banta of Greenfield, who were like children to her, and for her lifelong friend, Shirley Menzies and husband, Bob, of Greenfield.

When Carlene married Lewis, she was blessed with an extended family whom she dearly loved: Doug and Karen Sexton, Sherry and Brett Godfrey, and Randy and Terrie Sexton.

She also leaves behind many step-grandchildren and step-great-grandchildren: Jeremy and Brandy, Josh and Becky, Chelsie and Chase, Jake and Liz, Taylor and Jim, Skyler, and Trevor and Erin; along with Aiden, Alex, Riley, Kate, Ray, Remy, Brody, Josie, Landon, Louie, Oliver, Sophia, Henry, Jonah, Charlie, Douglas, Olivia, Zack, Brook, Eli, Brooke, and Will.

A celebration of Carlene’s life will be held at Main Street Baptist Church on Saturday, November 7, 2026. at 11 a.m. with Pastor Courts Jetton officiating. 

Burial will follow at Sycamore Cemetery north of Miller, Missouri.  

The family will receive friends on Saturday morning at 10 a.m. until service time at the church.  

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Youth Group of Main Street Baptist Church.  

Online condolences may be shared at www.greenfieldfuneralchapel.com.  

Services are under the care of Greenfield Funeral Chapel.

She will be forever with us as the spring flowers push through the warm earth to unfold into the simple beauty she so loved.

Our God is great.