Beverly Carlene Sexton

Beverly Carlene Sexton, of Everton, departed this life on Sunday, Nov. 1, 2026, at the age of 88.
 
She was born Feb. 28, 1938, in Plumb town, six miles east of Greenfield, to Carl B. and Leola (Duncan) Jones. She spent most of her life in Dade County. However, following her graduation from Greenfield High School in 1956, she moved to Kansas City and worked at the Federal Reserve Bank for 11 years.
 
She was united in marriage to Gerald Numa Ruark on April 2, 1960. In 1967, they purchased a farm near South Greenfield and returned to Dade County. During their marriage, they were blessed with four wonderful children: Grant Numa, Gerry Neil, Carla Loraine, and Caran Elaine.
 
She and Gerald shared 43 happy years of marriage before Gerald passed away on May 20, 2003. Following Gerald’s death, Carlene found companionship with longtime friend Lewis Ray Sexton, and they were united in marriage in July 2005.
 
 She was a devoted member of Main Street Baptist Church for 51. 
She worked alongside her husband at their family-owned business, Ruark Oil, where she became known for her willingness to do whatever needed to be done. Whether washing windshields, pumping gas, fixing flat tires, or helping customers, she took pride in being helpful and never shied away from hard work. When her husband's health began to decline and the station was eventually sold, she began working at Pennington Seed to help provide insurance and financial support for the family. She worked the overnight shift as a lead foreman, choosing those hours so she could be home during the day to care for her husband. 
 
 
She served several years as a member of the Greenfield Chamber of Commerce. She was also a long-time member of the Better Homemakers Club. 
 
She was preceded in death by her husband, Gerald; her parents; baby sister, Margaret Ailene; her father- and mother-in-law, Curtis and Aletha Ruark; brother Laverne Jones; sisters-in-law JoAnne Jones and sister-in-law Barbara Jones; grandson Cody Ferwalt; Uncle James of Texas and her special Aunt Reba.
 
She is survived by her husband, Lewis Sexton; son Grant and wife Pepper of Kansas City; son Gerry and wife Carrie of Greenfield; daughter Carla Ruark of Nixa; and daughter Caran Beasley and husband Randy of Everton.
 
She is also survived by seven grandchildren and one great-grandchild and her brother Byron Jones of Springfield.
 
When Carlene married Lewis, she was blessed with an extended family whom she dearly loved: Doug and Karen Sexton, Sherry and Brett Godfrey, and Randy and Terrie Sexton. She also leaves behind many step-grandchildren and step-great-grandchildren.
 
A celebration of life was held at Main Street Baptist Church on Saturday, Nov. 7 with Pastor Courts Jetton officiating. Burial followed at Sycamore Cemetery north of Miller. The family received friends on Saturday morning until service time at the church. 
 
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Youth Group of Main Street Baptist Church. Online condolences may be shared at www.greenfieldfuneralchapel.com. Services are under the care of Greenfield Funeral Chapel.