Rudy Dean Guara (41) passed away in Bartlesville, OK on October 2, 2021. He was born on March 1, 1980, to Connie Guara (Armijo) and Johnie Guara in Borger, TX.
Rudy lived in Bartlesville since 1983, graduating from Bartlesville High School in 1998. He earned a Bachelor of Fine Arts in 2004 from Oklahoma State University. He continued his education at the Academy of Art University of San Francisco by earning his Master of Fine Arts in 2016. Simultaneously, he obtained his cosmetology license.
After working many jobs in the Bartlesville and Tulsa areas, he was an art teacher for the last six years, most recently at Skiatook High School. His students called him “Mr. Rudy.”
An eternal pacifist, Rudy had endless compassion and empathy for others. Rudy is a creator and an amazing artist. His six-year-old daughter, Theia, is following in his footsteps. Rudy and Theia are the best of buddies: drawing and creating together, going on adventures, and loving each other.
Survived by daughter Theia Elise Groves Guara, mother Connie Guara, father Johnie Guara, sister Joni Guara, sister Bonnie Shaw (Chris), brother Christopher Guara (Tracy), and nieces and nephews: Darbi Shaw, Grant Shaw, Carter Shaw, Paige Shaw, Leo Guara, Mia Guara, and Eva Guara. Rudy had numerous friends who thought the world of him and was forever impacted by his love, kindness, talent, unique mind, and one-of-a-kind personality.
Preceded in death by maternal grandparents Dora and Ray Armijo, paternal grandparents Priscilla and Joe Guara, Aunt Rose Sena, Aunt Judy Arguello, Uncle Andy Guara, and beloved pets: Ski and Appletini.
Rudy always pursued new and innovative forms of art and media including drawing, painting, writing, and illustrating. Rudy published books, graphic novels, and children’s stories; produced short films; hosted podcasts; created apps, and designed murals. Rudy exhibited his art in galleries, independently sold various works, and distributed stickers.
Rudy’s large presence in a room is only exceeded by his social media presence – even when banned from those platforms.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to benefit his daughter Theia Elise Groves Guara. An Educational Trust is being established: Checks written in Theia’s name may be mailed to Bonnie Shaw: 15418 Winston Ave., Urbandale, IA 50323 or by PayPal: shaw.family123@gmail.com
Visitation will be Thursday from 9:00 am -7:00 pm. The family will be present between 5:00 -7:00 to greet guests. Rosary will begin at 7:00 pm. The funeral mass will be held Friday at 1:00 pm at St. John Catholic Church. Arrangements have been entrusted to Arnold Moore & Neekamp Funeral Home. Online condolences can be left at www.honoringmemories.com.
