Dates
Ruth “Ruthie” LaVern Elliott Barker passed away on Saturday, September 27, 2025. She was surrounded by loved ones and holding the hands of her children.
Ruthie was born on October 20, 1940 in Coleman, Texas, the only daughter of James Claude and Annie Lou Elliott. She was preceded in death by both parents and her four brothers, Louis, Bobby, Larry, and Edward. Ruthie was raised in Sheffield and graduated from Iraan High School in 1958. After graduation, she moved to San Angelo, where she met and later married Richard “Rick” Alton Barker, Jr. of Millersview on November 22, 1961. They were married until his passing in October of 2009. They weathered life’s storms together for nearly 48 years raising their two children, Brandon and Lori, and laying to rest a sweet baby girl. Ruthie was also welcomed by Rick’s four sisters Joyce, Pat, Judi, and Sheri, as a fifth sister, and she cherished their love and sisterhood for 64 years.
Ruthie spent most of her life taking care of home and family, but also worked with Rick at their bookkeeping service. She enjoyed any and every game of cards and dominos, and equally enjoyed the company of her friends. Ruthie and Rick square danced for many years together, and later in life she kept active clogging with the Lonestar Cloggers, chasing grandkids and great-grandkids, working puzzles and reading. After Rick’s passing, she traveled far and wide adding destinations to her travel charm bracelet. As often as possible, Ruthie got together with the other “Sassy Sisters” from her ‘58 high school class. She took her duties as “Nonnie” extremely seriously, and loved providing banana pudding and a night away from home to any grandchild who requested it.
Ruthie is survived by her son Brandon and wife Leia of San Angelo and daughter Lori and husband Robb Nixon of New Braunfels; grandchildren Holt Nixon, Hunter Nixon, Hadley and husband Joe Pedulla, and Ellie and Gracie Barker; great-grandchildren Miranda, Wade, and Rowan Nixon; sisters-in-law Joyce Lambert, Pat Stephens and husband John, Judi Lubke and husband Toni, and Sheri Luther and husband Jerry Don; and countless nieces, nephews, friends and family who loved her dearly and will greatly miss her.
The family would like to thank the nursing staff of the 4th and 5th floors at Shannon Hospital for their dedicated care and compassion. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to Rustreet Ministries or your favorite charity.
An open viewing will be held on Thursday, October 2nd from 8 a.m. until 7 p.m. at Harper Funeral Home, 2606 Southland Blvd. Funeral services will be held on Friday, October 3rd at 11:00 a.m. at Johnson Street Church of Christ, 2200 Johnson Ave, followed by burial services at the Millersview Cemetery in Millersview, Texas at 2:30 p.m.