Ruth Katherine Harper

With hearts full of love and gratitude, we honor and remember the life of Ruth Harper, a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister, aunt, and cherished friend, whose kindness, creativity, and quiet strength touched all who knew her.

Ruth was born and raised in Kansas City, Kansas, where she graduated from Rosedale High School in 1958. She continued her education at Crowder College, studying computer applications, and earned certificates in stenography, typing, and cake decorating, skills that served her well throughout her life.

She married her high school sweetheart, Bill Harper, in 1958 at Westwood Christian Church in Kansas City, KS. Their marriage was one rooted in love, commitment, and partnership.

Ruth’s professional life reflected both dedication and creativity. She worked in accounting and bookkeeping for Bill Harper/Lohman Game Call Company, helped operate Ozark Mountain Lure Company, and later spent 17 years as a cake decorator at Gerbes in Camdenton, Missouri, where her beautifully crafted cakes became part of many families’ celebrations.

She was a woman of service and community involvement, serving as a Girl Scout leader in Henryetta, Oklahoma, a member of the VFW Auxiliary in Camdenton, and an enthusiastic participant in Senior Center line dancing, which brought her great joy.

Ruth found happiness in life’s simple pleasures— gardening, line dancing on Mondays and Thursdays, sewing projects, saying yes to all road trips, playing bingo, being a lifetime member of the VFW, watching the Kansas City Chiefs games and spending time with friends at the Gerbes retirees’ monthly lunch.

Above all, Ruth treasured her family. She was lovingly known as Aunt Ruth, Ruthie, Nanna, Nanny, Grammy, and Grandma Ruth, names that reflected the deep love she gave so freely. She cherished every role she held and took great pride in her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren.

Ruth is survived by her sister, Marjorie Crews; her children Tami Freeman (Billy), Sherry Pogue, and Debbie Rolando (Tim) numerous grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and a great-great-grandchild; as well as many nieces, nephews, extended family members, and dear friends.

She was preceded in death by her husband Bill Harper, parents, Lilly and Earl Crews; her brother, Bobby Crews; her son-in-law, Grover Pogue; and her sister-in-law, Donna Crews Hayes.

Ruth’s legacy is one of love, faith, service, and grace. She will be deeply missed and lovingly remembered by all who were blessed to know her.

A Memorial Service will be held on Monday, December 29, 2025 at Allee-Holman-Howe Funeral Home in Camdenton, Missouri beginning at 3:00 p.m. Visitation will be held prior to the service from 2:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. at the Funeral Home.

Arrangements are under the direction of Allee-Holman-Howe Funeral Home.