Ruth A. Owens

Ruth Owens passed from this life on Tuesday, July 9, 2019 in San Antonio, Texas at the age of 94. Ruth was born in Long Beach, California on October 18, 1924 to Esther (Haller) and Loyd E. Westbrook. When she was six months old her family moved home to San Antonio, where Ruth lived for almost all of her life.

Ruth found joy in life and was dedicated to her church and charitable organizations. Among other things, she volunteered at Habitat for Humanity and Meals for Wheels. She began working at Morningside Ministries in 1977. In 1979 she earned her Nursing Home Administrator license and was passionate about her 18-year career at Morningside Ministries. She loved Morningside and spent her last few years living at The Meadows at Morningside.

Upon her retirement in 1995, she enjoyed traveling with Russell and spending time with her family and friends. She loved socializing and was an avid bridge player, loved gardening and reading, and was a needlework and quilting artist. She received recognition for the quality and diversity of her work. Ruth was active in The Embroiderers' Guild of America and received special recognition for her "Soaring Seagull" piece which will be on display at her memorial service. She dedicated this piece to her husband of 59 years and love of her life, Russell, whom she called "the wind beneath her wings."

Ruth was preceded in death by her parents; husbands, Russell Elton Owens and William Looney; son, Russell David Owens; brother, Lloyd Westbrook, Jr.; sister, Evelyn Palmer; and great grandchildren William Stannard II and Vincent Catalani.

Ruth is survived by her children: Martha Payne, Carole Andrews and her husband Toxie, Sarah Travis and her husband William; son, Bruce and his wife M'Lynda; and son David's widow Cheryl. Her sister, Joyce Klar, also survives her.

Her grandchildren are: Adam Payne, Jonathan Payne, Mark Payne; Stacey Stannard Moos and husband Wayne; William Russell Stannard and wife Jennifer; Lorelei Amanda Owens and fiancé Petr Sharetskiy; Russell Ian Owens; Jennifer Alicia Owens and husband Michael Cronin; Launa Ruth Owens Johnson and husband Robert; Carlton Alan Catalani and wife Erin; Valerie Travis Traugott and husband Thomas; Kelly Travis Rose and husband Daniel.

Her great-grandchildren are: Rowan Payne, Violet Payne; Lauryn Rayne Moos; Cooper Stannard, Reese Stannard; Grant Anthony Catalani, Drake Carlton Catalani, Elin Adeline Catalani; Tolan Mack Traugott, Dobson Beau Traugott, McCoy Isaac Traugott, Chapman Job Traugott; Rianna Moos Escamilla and husband Wesley, and Sierra Moos Noah and husband Bryce.

Her great-great grandchildren are Easton Wayne Escamilla and Bowen Brooks Starks.

A memorial service will be held Monday, July 15, 2019 at 11:00 AM at Forest Hills Presbyterian Church in Helotes, Texas. Ruth will be interred with Russell at Ft. Sam Houston National Cemetery, San Antonio, Texas on August 2, 2019.

In lieu of flowers, Ruth requested memorial contributions be made to Morningside Ministries Covenant Fund. More information about Morningside Ministries and its covenant with residents is below. The family would love for you to sign the online guestbook.

Morningside Ministries Covenant Fund

The faith-based mission of Morningside Ministries is to enhance the dignity and quality of life of older adults and their families and caregivers with compassionate care. Your gift to The Covenant Fund will provide residents with the ability to maintain services even after they have outlived their resources. Assistance is always provided in strict confidence to protect the dignity of each individual.

In 1981, Morningside Ministries (https://www.mmliving.org/) established a covenant with the older adults in Morningside's care that lives on today — The Covenant Fund. Over the years, Morningside Ministries has become an ever-growing "Circle of Care" that provides a home filled with comfort, security, and compassion for older adults. When residents outlive their resources, donations made to The Covenant Fund at Morningside Ministries may help them remain in their Morningside home.

Dedicate your donation in memory of Ruth Owens and in the Comments state "The Covenant Fund." Here is the direct link to the donation page: https://www.givedirect.org/donate/?cid=1111.