Ruth Crowley was born on August 28, 1923 in Ringgold, TX as the only child of William Jasper Cromwell and Mary Virginia Hollins (Cromwell). She died peacefully on Friday, May 13, 2022. Ruth graduated from Ringgold High School and immediately proceeded to Wichita Falls with a job to help support her mother and ailing father. Ruth later moved to Dallas and went on to work in couture for Neiman Marcus at NorthPark Mall. She loved the fashion industry and her time at Neiman’s insured Ruth was always dressed in style. During her time in Dallas, she met World War II Navy veteran, Dan Crowley, on a blind date and soon married in 1950 after a brief courtship.
Dan’s career with Southern Union Gas was spent mostly in Austin, but she was able to rekindle her Neiman’s work in 1974 when they had a four year stint back in Dallas. She was in couture at Neiman’s and her eldest son Michael, in men’s suits a floor below – Ruth and Michael forged, and kept a special bond their entire lives.
Ruth Crowley was a very loyal person – to her husband and his career, to her parents, and to her children. She was always at Dan’s side as he built his career with Southern Union and in their many outside activities and interests. After Dan’s passing 30 years ago, she continued her love of travel and annual trips to New York and various places with her wonderful friends from the bridge table. Ruth pro-actively moved to Westminster Manor 18 years ago. She was dealt another tough blow just 24 months after her arrival, as macular degeneration robbed her of much of her sight and literally, overnight, had to give up her car and her beloved bridge.
Ruth’s faith was important to her – she surprised us all in the early 1970s when she converted to officially join Dan in the Catholic Church. She and Dan dearly loved their 50+ year affiliation with St. Monica’s Holy Family Guild, and were proud to be one of the founding families of St. Theresa Catholic Church in Austin. Ruth was a member of Helping Hand Home for decades. She also enjoyed many friendships through “Garden Club” and “Sewing Club”. While the product of their growing and sewing were questionable, they always knew where to find a good margarita or old-fashioned! She was a member of Austin Country Club, the Austin Club, and the Headliners Club, all of which held special memories through the years.
Ruth was predeceased by her parents, her husband Dan, and son Michael. She is survived by her son Tim Crowley and his wife Carol, along with their children, Chris Crowley and his wife Katie, and their sons Covert and Charlie of Austin, and Elizabeth Crowley Davis and her husband Connor, who are in the midst of relocating to Austin from Washington, DC.
The family would like to thank the caring staff at Westminster Manor for these past 18 years of friendship and kindness. In addition, we want to thank Vera Zapata who has been a steadfast friend and care-giver to Ruth these past 9 years.
There will be a graveside service at Austin Memorial Park at 3:00 PM on Wednesday, May 18. In lieu of flowers please consider a donation to the Helping Hand Home, or a charity of your choice.
v.1.1.3