Ruth Barr Obituary

Ruth Ann Barr

July 29, 1931 - July 5, 2025

Ruth Ann Barr, 93, formerly of York, Neb., passed away Saturday, July 5th, 2025, at her home in Millsap, Texas.

She was born July 29th, 1931, to Ervin and Helen (Dunbier) Rafert in Thayer, Neb. Ruth Ann graduated from Gresham High School. She grew up showing livestock at York County Fair, Nebraska State Fair and Aksarben. She was honored to be the Nebraska 4-H Rodeo Queen at Aksarben.

After graduation, she attended college and attained her teaching certificate. She taught at various country schools in the area.

On December 20th, 1952, she married Guy Junior Barr and they farmed north of York where they raised their three children, Susan, Shariel, and Don.

Ruth Ann was a busy and active person even up until her death. She was active in her church, involved in 4-H with her children and owned several businesses. She and Guy owned and managed The Ideal Restaurant and catering business, north of York for many years. She later owned and operated York Tour and Travel Company. During this time, Ruth fell in love with travel, travelling to many destinations with family and friends. She made a point of taking each grandchild to a designation of their choice when they turned 16.

During retirement she moved to the ranch in Millsap, Texas where she showed horses and raised her herd of registered Longhorn cattle. She showed one of her Longhorn heifers at the Ft. Worth Texas Stock show at age 89. She also participated in showing Quarter horses in Pleasure Driving events, winning the National Championship in 2007.

Ruth Ann was active in the United Methodist Church both in York and Millsap, as well the Millsap Garden Club, always baking her famous cinnamon rolls for fundraisers, neighbors and friends. She enjoyed sewing, designing and creating quilts and was a member of the Millsap Texas Quilt Guild. Not only did she sew many of her own clothes but also created custom-tooled leather chaps for customers. The ranch was always kept immaculate due to her love of the outdoors…mowing, weed eating and tending her many garden plants, flowers, and trees, up until her hospitalization in mid-June.

One of Ruth Ann's favorite quotes was: "Ya gotta make hay while the sun shines" …..Reflecting her active lifestyle.

Ruth Ann is survived by her children, Susan (Bob) Showman of Weatherford, Texas, Shariel (Todd) Thieszen of McCook, Neb., and Don Barr of Grand Island, Neb. and Millsap, Texas. Her grandchildren, Amy (Jason) White of Rhome, Texas, along with sons, Max and Dexter, Maggie (John) Lakebrink, of Springtown, Texas, along with their children, Emma and Cutter, Jake (Kelsey) Thieszen and their children, Thea and Owen, Tyler (Kassie) Thieszen of McCook, Neb. and girls, Layla andLydia, Brianne Showman of Mesa, Ariz., and Matt (Sharah) Showman of Fayetteville, Ark. and their children, Barnabas, Amos and Maris. Her brother, Don Rafert and sister-in-law, Barb Rafert of Gresham, Neb.; and sister-in-law, Doris Dietrich of Gladstone, Mo.

Ruth Ann is preceded in death by her husband, Guy; infant son, Michael; her parents, Ervin and Helen Rafert; in-laws, Guy and Ora Barr; brothers, Bob Rafert and Harley Rafert; and sister, Gladys Cunningham. Her brothers-in-law, Denzil Barr and Percy Cunningham; and sisters-in-law, Marilyn Rafert & Jlee Rafert. Also, her special friend, Ross Mosier.

Her celebration of Life will be Thursday, July 24th, at the Ranch in Millsap, Texas, starting at 6:30 p.m. Followed with a sunset service at 8 p.m. Also scheduled are Graveside services in Nebraska at the Greenwood Cemetery in York, Neb., August 23rd, 2025, at 11 a.m. The family will host a visitation Friday, August 22nd, between 5 to 7 p.m. at Metz Mortuary, York, Neb.

Memorials can be directed to the family to be later distributed for the York County 4-H program, the Millsap Garden Club scholarships, and Millsap Methodist Church.

Condolences may be left for her family at metzmortuary.com. Metz Mortuary in York is handling local arrangements.

Metz Mortuary