Ruth Fern Guffey, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and friend, passed away peacefully on November 5, 2025 in Blue Springs, Missouri, at The Benton House assisted living community, which had been her home for the past 18 months. She was 90 years old.

Born on April 8, 1935, in New Cambria, Missouri, Ruth was the daughter, and one of seven children, of William and Rozene Hudson. In 1958, she married William [Pat] J. Guffey at her home church, Mount Olive in Macon County. After their wedding, Ruth and William moved to Kansas City, Missouri, and ultimately settled in Independence, Missouri where she lived much of her life.

Ruth was the mother of William Barton [Bart] Guffey (Tracie), and Nathan Brent Guffey (Dana), both of Blue Springs, Missouri. She was a proud grandmother to Sam Guffey (Alexa) and Ally Harris (Jared), and a proud great-grandmother to Hank Guffey and Beckett Harris. Ruth also shared a special bond with her longtime friend Kathy Faiva, as well as with numerous nieces, nephews, and family friends.

Ruth was a devoted follower of Jesus Christ, her Lord and Savior. From a young age, she was a member of Mount Olive Church in Macon County, Missouri, where she built a strong foundation for her faith. Ruth cherished her experiences at Mount Olive, often recalling the meaningful lessons and lasting friendships she formed within that church community. These memories remained important to her throughout her life and continued to shape her values.

Later in life, Ruth became a member of Country Meadows Baptist Church in Independence, which became her church home until her health prevented her from attending. Her faith remained a guiding force.

Ruth was a proud employee of Hallmark Cards in Kansas City, Missouri for 40 years. She told everyone that she was a “Secretary” for Hallmark and “people better not say anything bad about Hallmark to her”. She often said that Hallmark gave her so much more than a paycheck and that she was forever appreciative of the opportunity they gave a shy girl from the country in 1958. She left behind numerous Noon News articles that she collected over her career and had several stories of her experiences while at Hallmark. She took great pride knowing that between her and her 2 sons, there were over 100 years of employment at Hallmark Cards. Being a Hallmarker was a part of her identity her entire life.

Although Ruth lived in Independence, she often returned “home” to Macon, Missouri to visit her Mom, siblings, aunts, cousins, and friends. Attending and planning family reunions were some of her favorite times. She was a committed Kansas City Royals fan. While she was working, it was very common for her to sit and listen to the baseball game on the radio and practice her short-hand to the broadcast of the game. Ruth, Hank, & Beckett.

Ruth was preceded in death by her parents, her husband William J. Guffey (1996), and her brothers: William Hudson (Pat), Charles Hudson, and Leroy Hudson (Gertie). Also preceding her in death were her dogs Jack and Elmer—her absolute favorites—who brought her endless joy and companionship. Ruth is survived by her children and their families, as well as her sisters - Shirley Anders (Richard) and Maxine Stamp (Eldon) and her brother Jerry Hudson (Mae).

The family extends heartfelt gratitude to the Benton House community for their compassionate care during Ruth’s later years and final days, and to the dedicated staff of Luminous Hospice for the comfort and support they provided. During her time at Benton House, she built strong bonds with the Staff that she thought of as family.

In accordance with her wishes, Ruth will be cremated and her ashes placed at Mount Salem Cemetery in Excello, Missouri. Her sons and their families will have a private ceremony to honor her life.

The family kindly requests no flowers or donations. However, if you feel inclined, some of Ruth’s perennial recipients of her generosity included: The Salvation Army; City Union Mission; Meals on Wheels, and St. Jude Children's Research Hospital.