Ruby Ruth Buck

Ruby Ruth Hininger Buck, 92 of Webb City, Missouri passed away March 28, 2026, in Lockwood, Missouri. She was born on October 15, 1933, in Iantha, Missouri. Ruth, as she was known to most of her friends and family, was born to John Arthur Laverne Hininger and Rube Elisabeth Lisher. Ruth's mother passed away on February 4, 1934, not ever having really known her little girl. Ruby May Engle came into Ruth's life, being the only mother she would remember.

Ruth attended Crossroads Country School until high school. She graduated from Liberal High School in 1951. After graduating, she moved to Kansas City to work at Hallmark Cards until her marriage to William F. (Bill) Jones on May 9, 1953. From this union , two daughters were born, Ruth Leann and Laura Louise. Sadly, this marriage ended in divorce. She later married Donald R. Buck in 1987.

Ruth had a strong work ethic and held many roles throughout her life, including farm wife, employee at Elders Shirt Manufacturing and Dawson Furniture Company. Driving the OATS bus was by far the most rewarding. She had a passion for the elderly. She loved talking to her elderly passengers on trips and bringing them joy. Ruth loved sewing when Leann and Laura were young, she enjoyed sewing their clothes. She was a very talented seamstress. Later in life, she drove alongside her late husband Donald Buck driving an 18-wheeler across the country. Ruth often described herself as a "jack of all trades, master of none"; however, she was truly skilled in many things.

Ruth enjoyed visiting with her neighbors and friends and was always willing to help them wherever needed. Don and Ruth enjoyed flying their Stearman Biplane and had many friends in Jennings, LA and Galesburg, IL. Their poodle, Buddy, was her and Don's companion on the truck and in her life for many years.

Ruby Ruth is survived by her daughters Ruth Leann Braker (Bruce) and Laura Louise Scarlato (former husband John Scarlato). Granddaughters Valerie Barker (David), Kari Meadows (Joe), and Remington Elder (Travis). Her only grandson was Tanner Scarlato (Daria), which she adored. Great-granddaughters Kasyn and Lakyn Meadows. On February 4, 2026, a great grandson was born, Ford Lasley Elder of which Ruth got to meet a few weeks before passing.

She will be greatly missed by her family and friends. A special thank you to Good Shepherd Community Care for their loving care and support, the First Christian Church of Webb City, and her dear friends Mary Hollingshead, Harlene Curtis , Dennis and Valerie Eden, Gloria Gideon and Lloyd Mullins.

Ruth was preceded in death by her mother Ruby Elizabeth Hininger, her father Arthur L. Hininger and bonus mother Ruby May Hininger. Her husband of 24 years Donald Ross Buck, her two brothers Lewis Laverne Hininger (1941) and Earl Marion Hininger (1969). Ruth's half brother Carl Arther Hininger passed away in 2022.

Services will be held Friday, April 3, 2026 at 10:00 at Oakton Cemetery, Lamar, Missouri. Pastor Lynn Ragsdale will officiate. In lieu of flowers, contributions in Mrs. Buck's memory may be made to the First Christian Church of the Joplin Humane Society, in care of the funeral home.

Services are under the personal care and direction of Simpson Funeral Home in Webb City. The family encourages relatives and friends to visit www.simpsonfh.com to share photos and memories of Mrs. Buck.