Ruth Mary O’Hara
BUCKNER, MO - Ruth Mary O’Hara entered eternal life on January 13, 2022. Cremation is planned with a memorial service to be held at 2:30 p.m., Saturday, January 22, 2022 at the Speaks Buckner Chapel, 300 Adams St. Buckner, MO 64016. Private inurnment will be held in Buckner Hill Cemetery. Although she was just shy of 98 years old, those who knew and loved her will tell you 97 years and 11 months was still, not enough time. Ruth Mary O’Hara was born on January 30, 1924 in Buckner, Missouri. She proudly attended the University of Missouri where she met her husband of 66 years, Donald O’Hara and her love of football increased tenfold. Ruth Mary raised her three children in Buckner, Missouri and her seven grandchildren will remain eternally grateful she chose to stay in that home. In addition to the memories forever etched in our minds, “Camp O’Hara” provided an opportunity for so many to go fishing, pick fresh blackberries, participate in bottle rocket wars, climb trees, drive tractors and ride horses. Speaking of horses, if you are reading this wondering, “Should horses be allowed inside my home?” The answer, according to Ruth Mary, was, “yes!” It was not uncommon for Ruth Mary to be folding laundry in the basement with her beloved, Annie, standing by her side. Ruth Mary was a lover of animals and treated them with respect and dignity, even when her grandchildren launched water balloons in their direction. Perhaps the only thing that brought more joy to Ruth Mary than her animals was her family. Ruth Mary was a constant in the lives of each one her family members. If her children, grandchildren or greatgrandchildren were participating in a track meet, football game, choir concert, or debate, that’s where you’d find her. If a family member moved out of town, Ruth Mary made a point to read their local newspaper. Ruth Mary O’Hara was a longtime member of Buckner Christian Church where she played the organ and sang in the choir. Later she was a member of Pleasant View Christian and First Church in Buckner. Ruth Mary is survived by her children, Cathy Semkin and Terry O’Hara; grandchildren, Todd Semkin, Amy Zimmerman, Jonathan O’Hara, Alisha O’Hara, Meghan Higgins, and Ryan O’Hara; and greatgrandchildren whose photos she proudly displayed and shared throughout her many years. Ruth Mary is now reunited with her loving husband Donald and her family is confident the fact-checking has begun. She is also rejoicing with her son, Dennis O’Hara; grandson, Patrick O’Hara and so many other friends and family who are celebrating her return. Online condolences may be expressed at www.speakschapel.com (Arrangements: Speaks Buckner Chapel (816) 650-5555)
