Ruth Bowen

Ruth Pauline Bowen, beloved mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and lifelong caregiver, passed away peacefully at home on Friday, January 31st at the age of 97. Her loving and devoted family cared for her at her bedside until the angels welcomed her into eternal rest, with her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.

On August 13th, 1927, Ruth was born and delivered breech by her grandmother to Edwin and Amy Kempert (Polhill) in Jo Daviess County near Stockton, Illinois. Ruth grew up on her family farm, alongside her older siblings, Helen Baysinger and Eugene Kempert. Helen taught her everything she needed to know for kindergarten and 1st grade. Ruth began school far beyond her peers. She loved school and was a stellar student from the beginning.

An intelligent and determined young woman, Ruth graduated as Valedictorian, Class President, and President of the Glee Club from Lena Community High School in 1944. Facing challenges and overcoming them was one of Ruth’s greatest assets. Ruth knew that she wanted to be a nurse, so she left home at sixteen years old to pursue her career. She went to St. Louis because Missouri allowed individuals to join the Cadet Nurse Corp at a younger age than Illinois. She trained at the City Hospital from 1945-1947. She graduated first in her class with honors and a special interest in pediatrics. She could have joined any branch of service as a Second Lieutenant, but WWII ended before graduation, so she chose to become a civilian nurse. During her training, while at a street movie with her best friend in St. Louis, Ruth met Willard D. Bowen, a member of the Naval Air Corps. He won her heart and they married on July 3, 1948, at St. John’s Lutheran Church in Lena, Illinois. Together, they would eventually move their young family to Colorado Springs after traveling the country following Willard’s work as a master welder and pipefitter.

Ruth’s nurturing spirit extended beyond her immediate family. She dedicated her life to her children, Beverly (Dooley) and Barbara (Longrie), and was a loving and involved grandmother to Mike (Dooley) and Patty (Kretzmar). Her heart grew even more when she became a great-grandmother to Kelcee and Megan Dooley. Throughout the years, Ruth's love for her family remained constant, and her influence shaped the lives of three generations of people.

She spent countless hours creating cherished memories with her family. Whether sewing clothes for her children, grandchildren, and their dolls, making costumes, helping with homework or projects, attending school events, cooking family meals, making sweet holiday treats, or serving at Holy Cross Lutheran Church on the Altar Guild, Ruth poured love into every task. She really enjoyed eating ice cream, listening to music, visiting with family and neighbors, attending live theater productions, traveling, coloring, playing games, growing flowers, reading, and watching her favorite T.V. shows like Dancing with the Stars, Judge Judy, and Jimmy Kimmel. Her warmth and generosity left a lasting mark on everyone fortunate enough to know her.

Ruth was a pillar of strength and kindness, whose care and devotion to her family and community will never be forgotten. She leaves behind a legacy of compassion, resilience, and unwavering love that will continue to inspire her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren for generations to come.

She is survived by her daughters, Beverly (Dooley) and Barbara (Longrie); grandchildren, Michael (Dooley) and Patricia (Kretzmar); great-grandchildren, Kelcee, and Megan Dooley; as well as many extended family members and friends.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Willard D. Bowen; her parents, Edwin, and Amy Kempert; and her siblings, Helen Baysinger and Eugene Kempert.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Holy Cross Lutheran Church directly or visit Holycrosscs.org and go to the donate tab for a memorial contribution in memory of Ruth Bowen.

Viewing at Memorial Gardens 3825 Airport Rd. from 4pm-8pm on Friday February 7th.

Visitation will be held at Holy Cross Lutheran Church 4125 Constitution Ave. beginning at 9:30 Saturday, February 8th followed by a celebration of life service at 10:30 officiated by Pastor Zillinger. The service will be live streamed https://www.youtube.com/@holycrosslutheranchurch4718/streams

Before proceeding to Memorial Gardens at 12:45 for Ruth’s Internment, we will convene in Hiller Hall for fellowship and refreshments.

Interment at Memorial Gardens at approximately 1:15

Reception to follow at Ruth’s home.