Ruth K. Allen

Ruth Kathryn Allen, 83, lifelong resident of Muskogee, Oklahoma, peacefully passed away on Sunday, August 17, 2025, at her home, just one day shy of her 84th birthday. Born August 18, 1941, in Muskogee to Jude and Susie (Harris) Hickey, Ruth was a cherished daughter, sister, wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and friend whose legacy shines brightly in the hearts of all who knew her. Ruth grew up surrounded by the rolling hills and close-knit community of Muskogee. She attended elementary school at Brushy Mountain, continued her studies at Alice Robertson Junior High, and graduated from Muskogee Central High School, where she formed friendships that would accompany her throughout her life. Driven by a spirit of compassion and a desire to serve, Ruth pursued her calling in nursing, enrolling at Baptist Memorial Hospital School of Nursing and graduating with the class of 1963. Ruth dedicated her entire professional life to caring for others. As a nurse at Muskogee General Hospital—later known as Muskogee Regional Medical Center—she touched countless lives with her gentle hands and kind heart. Her colleagues remember Ruth as a steadfast presence in the wards, always ready with a reassuring word or a comforting smile. Nursing was not merely her career; it was her vocation. On her journey through life, Ruth married William Edward Allen. Together, they built a life grounded in love, companionship, laughter, and devotion. Their marriage was blessed with children but was cut short due to his untimely death. Ruth cherished her role as a mother, nurturing her family and creating a home filled with warmth and laughter. Ruth’s legacy lives on through her devoted daughter, Renee’ Jones and husband Rusty; her loving son, Paul Allen and wife Robin; her adoring grandchildren, Harris Jones and wife Ryann, Hannah Book and husband Chad, Jason Allen, and Tyler Allen; and her pride and joy—great-grandchildren Kolsen Jones and Kutler Jones. She is also survived by her siblings, Kathy Smith and husband Meredeith, and Mack Hickey and wife Helen; sisters-in-law, Pat Barlow and Paula Oliver; and a large circle of extended family and friends, all of whom will deeply miss her presence. Ruth Kathryn Allen’s life was a tapestry woven with kindness, dedication, and love. She will be remembered for her unwavering compassion, her laughter, her steadfastness, and her devotion to family and community. Though she has departed from this world, her spirit endures in every life she touched and every memory she created. Ruth was preceded in death by her beloved parents, Jude and Susie Hickey; her husband, William Edward Allen; siblings, John Hickey, Jack Hickey, Bill Hickey, and Laura Pyles. She now joins them in eternal rest, where her gentle spirit will continue to watch over those she loved. The family will greet friends from 5-7PM, Thursday, August 21, 2025 at Cornerstone Funeral Home. A funeral service honoring Ruth’s life will be held at 2:00 PM on Friday, August 22, 2025, at Cornerstone Funeral Home Chapel, with Pastor Kelly Payne officiating. Following the service, Ruth will be laid to rest in Brushy Mountain Cemetery, a place close to her heart and her childhood. Serving as pallbearers will be Don Smith, Richard Pyles, Harris Jones, Jason Allen, Tyler Allen, and Chad Book, with Jerry Pyles and Bryon Smith named as honorary pallbearers.

Ruth K. Allen

August 18, 1941 - August 17, 2025