Roger Billy Ruark

Roger Billy Ruark, 81, of Rockledge, Florida, passed away June 23, 2026, at VITAS Healthcare, Rockledge. He was born December 29, 1944, in Great Bend, Kansas, the son of Billy Frank “Bill” and Twila Jean (Pugh) Ruark. Roger has resided in Florida since 2023, formerly of Wichita and Lyons, Kansas. He graduated from Altus High School, Altus, Oklahoma, with the class of 1962 and received his associate degree from Butler County Community College. Roger served in the United States Army as a First Lieutenant during the Vietnam War from September 14, 1967 until his honorable discharge on September 13, 1969. He worked as a salesman in food service for many years. Roger enjoyed golfing, fishing, hunting, and listening to music. He played in the United States Army band. On September 8, 1978, Roger was united in marriage with Deanne Rae Rhodes in Wichita, Kansas. She preceded him in death on July 18, 2021. He is also preceded in death by his parents; and daughter-in-law, Cheryl Rapoano. Roger is survived by his two sons, Brian Ruark and wife Kimberly of Wichita, KS, Roger Rapoano of South Daytona, FL; two daughters, Sandra Smith and husband Douglas of New Smyrna Beach, FL, and Regina Ulrich and husband Nolan of AL, two brothers, Cary Ruark (Lisa McQuade) of Wichita, KS, Mark Ruark (Julia Van De Ven) of Big Piney, WY; eight grandchildren, Jacob, Brajdyn, Eddie, Clayton, Kimberly, Matthew, Hannah, and Rebecca; and three great-grandchildren, Elias, Lydia, and Adalynn. Graveside service will be held at Springdale Cemetery, Chase, Kansas, at 11:00 A.M., Thursday, July 9, 2026, with Pastor Tom Hawks officiating. Military honors by Fort Riley Honor Guard. Memorials may be given to the Wounded Warrior Project or Victory in the Valley in care of Birzer Funeral Home, Lyons. For those wishing to view the service online, please use the following link. Graveside Service for Roger Ruark

To send flowers to the family, please visit our floral store.