Renée Elaine Ruark

Renée Ruark Yarbrough went to be with the Lord on March 1, 2017 surrounded by her loving family. It was a quiet and peaceful passing after a long, brave fight with cancer.

Renée was born in Hanford on December 22, 1950. She attended Lee Richmond Elementary School, Woodrow Wilson Junior High School, and graduated from Hanford High School as valedictorian with the class of 1969. After graduation, Renée attended the University of California, Santa Barbara, where she graduated in 1973 with a Bachelor's of Science degree in Mathematics.

Renée played the piano, enjoyed crossword puzzles, and she loved reading books.

After graduating from college, Renée went to visit friends in Germany for a summer vacation. It was there that she met the love of her life, Preston Ruark. Preston was in the US Army stationed in Germany at the time.

In 1973, Renée joined the US Army as a Morse code signal intercept operator, and in 1975 she received her commission as an engineering officer. In 1988, Renée was honorably discharged from the Army at the rank of Major.

Renée was preceded in death by her mother Ruth Yarbrough, sister Debbie Bryan, and nephew Eddie Bryan. She is survived by her devoted husband Preston Ruark Jr., son Russell Ruark, son Preston Ruark III, and his with Pauline Ruark; as well as her grandchildren, Leo and Evelyn. Renee is also survived by her father Archie Yarbrough and his wife Velma, Renee's sister Sharon Rodarmel, Sharon's husband Michael Rodarmel, nieces Laura and Lisa Rodarmel. Renee is survived by her brother Eric Mills, his wife Debbie, and their children Dylan and Shane. Renee is also survived by her niece Amber Slover and Amber's children D.J. and Sarah.

A memorial will be held on Monday, March 6th at People's Funeral Chapel. Her Viewing will begin at 5:00 pm and her Memorial Service begins at 6:00 pm.

Family and friends are invited to view Renée's legacy at www.peoplesfuneralchapel.com and send condolences to the family. Services are under the direction of People's Funeral Chapel.