Ruth Mary Dunlap

Ruth Mary Dunlap, 99, peacefully passed away on August 24, 2026, in Garden City. She was born on July 10, 1927, in Chicago, Illinois, to John Daniel and Mary (Hakansson) Lind. Ruth was a woman of remarkable strength, quiet grace, and deep devotion to her family — a life that spanned nearly a century and touched more lives than she ever knew.

Ruth married Robert Greete on January 10, 1948, and was married until his death. On November 26, 1957, she and Robert L. “Bob” Dunlap were married in Rockwall, Texas. She had four children, Valerie, Pamela, Joanna, and Robert.

Ruth held a series of interesting jobs throughout her career, beginning immediately after her high school graduation in Illinois. She was very excited to achieve Red Cross Swimmer Instructor certification in her twenties. Ruth spent 18 years with H&R Block, where she helped countless clients. After retiring, she found renewed purpose as a receptionist at the Finney County Senior Center, where her warmth brought joy to everyone she met. One of her proudest achievements was donating 99 pints of blood in her lifetime. Ruth's curiosity and adventurous spirit extended far beyond her career. She traveled every chance she got and was fascinated by genealogy, piecing together her family's story one generation at a time.

She is survived by her daughters, Valerie Harper and husband Dennis, Sarcoxie, Missouri; Pamela Dunlap and husband, Randy Cowling, Owasso, Oklahoma; and Joanna Meier, Garden City, Kansas; a son, Robert Dunlap and wife, Leanne, Garden City, Kansas; step-son Pat and wife, Cheryl, Arlington, Texas; daughter-in-law Pamela Gardner Dunlap, Waco, Texas; and 7 grandchildren and 12 great-grandchildren. Through her love, wisdom, and quiet strength, Ruth shaped the lives of those closest to her — leaving behind a legacy of compassion, unity, and enduring love. She was preceded in death by her parents, her husbands, sister Ruby Leese, son-in-law Dan Meier, and stepson Dale Dunlap.

A memorial has been established for the Finney County Historical Museum; gifts may be sent in care of Robson Funeral Home, 620 S. Main St., Garden City, Kansas 67846.

A private cremation has taken place.

In lieu of a viewing, the family invites you to attend the graveside service to be held in her honor at 10:30 am on Friday, August 28, 2026, at Valley View Cemetery, located at 2901 N 3rd St, Garden City, KS 67846.