Carolyn Jean Highfield Ruark, 82, of Vanceburg, passed away Monday, November 9, 2026, at Meadowview Regional Medical Center in Maysville, surrounded by her loving family.
She was born in Lewis County on March 30, 1944, a daughter of the late Clifton “Red” and Mary “Molly” Hampton Highfield.
Carolyn was a member of Mt. Zion Community Church. She enjoyed working in her flowers, shopping, watching game shows, and spending time with her family, especially her grandchildren.
Survivors include one daughter, Maxine Duboise of Florida; three sons, Rodney “Hot Rod” (Amy) Ruark of Vanceburg, Earl “Buster” (Derondia) Ruark of Manchester, Ohio, and Keith “Alan” (Theresa) Ruark; Jackie Dale (Jeanetta) Ruark, whom she and her husband raised as their son; 10 grandchildren; 17 great-grandchildren; and many other family members and friends who will sadly miss her.
In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband of 54 years, Ronald “Dean” Ruark; one daughter, Annette Ruark; two sisters, Opal Truesdell and Betty Bayless; two brothers, Otto Highfield and Frankie Allen Highfield; one grandson, Matthew Lane Ruark; and one daughter-in-law, Penny Lee Ruark.
Services will be at 1:00 p.m. Friday, November 13, 2026, at Tollesboro Funeral Home, 11918 KY 57 at Tollesboro, with Bro. Gene Bayless and Bro. Gene Beaton officiating. Burial will follow in Pine Grove Cemetery.
Friends may visit after 11:30 a.m. Friday at the funeral home.
Pallbearers will be Austin Truesdell, Ernie Truesdell, Chris Highfield, Jackie Ruark, Brad Gordley, and Kevin Gordley.
Honorary pallbearers will be Chasity Zornes, Hunter Zornes, Brantley Zornes, Jaxson Zornes, and Oden Lee Bradford.
Condolences may be sent at www.globefamilyfc.com.
