Geneva Ruth Sowder

SOWDER, Geneva “Ruth”, age 87, passed away suddenly on January 31, 2019, at Sycamore Hospital. Ruth spent her childhood on a farm in Carter County near Olive Hill, KY until the family moved to Dayton, Ohio when she was 5 years old. As a child, she loved being involved in Girl Scouts and the Methodist Church, where she was actively involved in Youth Fellowship, church camp, and performed in church plays. While she never become an actress as she dreamed, she could certainly liven up a party. Ruth had lots of lifelong friends because she was an example of a great friend. She had a witty personality and she didn’t mind doing something silly for a laugh. She was adored by her family and friends and was ready to go out with them on a moment’s notice. Ruth was married to Ronny Sowder for 48 years, until his passing. They built a home in Centerville, Ohio where she resided for 54 years. Ruth was a member of Eastern Star Victory Chapter 574 and held many positions at Centerville United Methodist Church, United Methodist Women, Martha Circle and a service award recipient. Ruth was preceded in death by her parents, Elbert and Irene Burton, husband Ronald Sowder, daughter, Karen Hegel, son, Mark Sowder and Goldie, her beloved cat for 18 ½ years. Survived by her daughter, Kathi Keeler, son-in-law, Charlie Keeler, granddaughters Meredith Wahl (Rick) and Megan Sowder, great-grandchildren Brady and Colton Wahl, Kiera and Daniel Moore, and many relatives and dear friends. Family will receive friends from 4-6 pm Wednesday Feb 6 at Tobias Funeral Home, 5471 Far Hills Ave. Funeral services will be held at 10:30 am Thursday, Feb 7, Restoration Church (formerly Centerville United Methodist Church), 63 East Franklin St, Centerville, OH. Pastor Tony Miltenberger presiding. Burial at Centerville-Washington Township Cemetery. If desired, memorial contributions may be made to Centerville UM Church Memorial Fund or SICSA Pet Adoption Center, Dayton, OH. Online condolences may be sent to www.tobiasfuneralhome.com .