Ruth Sargent

Ruth Ann (Ellison) Sargent, 84, of Kingfisher, went to be with her Lord and Savior on June 19, 2024.

Ruth was born on Aug. 23, 1939, in Topeka, Kan., to Firman and Florance (Roberts) Ellison. The family moved to Waco, Neb., when she was young.

At Waco High School, Ruth excelled in both sports and academia. She was accomplished in softball and volleyball and was awarded a Regents scholarship.

After high school, she moved to California where she met Dallas Sargent, who was stationed there in the Navy.

They married on May 11, 1963. Following the birth of their first child, Rhonda, they moved to Pampa, Texas, where they had their twins, Stephen and Stephanie.

Due to Dallas’ job, the family moved to a few different places, including Perryton, Texas, and then to Kingfisher.

In every place she lived, it was important to Ruth to be very active in church. She was a self-taught pianist and shared her gift with many others.

Ruth was also a pioneer in teaching computer technology at Chisholm Trail Technology Center.

She was a secretary at the Federated Church in Kingfisher as well as the Kingfisher First United Methodist Church, where she was a member.

Her lifelong example of helping and caring for others was ultimately fulfilled when she assumed the role of leading the Salvation Army in Kingfisher.

Ruth was a natural born nurturer. This extended not only to her biological children, but to many others she took under her wing.

Her positive influence on so many will remain a legacy.

Very dear to her heart were her great-nieces Michelle Sargent Mowdy and Tonya Sargent-Quintana, who were lovingly welcomed into the family home.

Later on, her most beloved grandsons, Jeffery and Joshua, were an integral part of her life. She raised them as her own and indeed she was their “Mom” in every way that mattered.

Ruth’s smile would always light up any room. She had an innate ability to make everyone feel at ease and her presence would surround one like a warm, comforting blanket.

Her children describe her as fun-loving, caring and compassionate. She was deeply loved and will be sorely missed.

Ruth is survived by her daughter Rhonda (Sargent) Harris and husband Dave, son Stephen Sargent, daughter Stephanie (Sargent) Williams and husband Eric; grandchildren Jasmin Wooton and husband Patrick, Dominick Huber and wife Riona, Jeffery Sargent and wife Jadie, Joshua Sargent, Amethyst Carter, Alisha Carter McGregor and husband Kolin; eight great-grandchildren, Seth, Savanna, Skyler, Sterling, Jacen, Sylis, Emrys and Evan; sister Mary Jean Stuhr; and numerous nephews and nieces.

She was preceded in death by her parents and siblings William, Donald, Robert Ellison and Dorothy (Ellison) Westphal.

Ruth’s celebration of life will be at 1:30 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 1, at the Kingfisher First United Methodist Church with graveside service in Waco, Neb., to follow on Aug. 3.

Services are under the direction of Sanders Funeral Service.