Ruth Ellen Mowrey

Ruth Ellen Mowrey, Krusenstjerna, age 92, passed away peacefully in her sleep on Wednesday, October 7, 2026. Visitation will begin at 10:00 am on Saturday, October 17, 2026, at McLaren’s Chapel followed by the Memorial service at 11:00 am. Burial will be at Resthaven Cemetery.

Ruth was born on July 29, 1934, in Odebolt, Iowa, to Alvin and Lena (Gonnerman) Krusenstjerna. She graduated from Odebolt High School and continued her education at the Iowa Methodist School of Nursing, beginning a lifelong career dedicated to caring for others.

Ruth spent her entire nursing career at Blank Hospital, where she worked primarily in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU). Through her years of service, she dedicated herself to caring for newborns and supporting families during some of life’s most important and vulnerable moments.

In 1956, Ruth married Marvin Mowrey, and together they built a family that remained at the heart of her life. She was a devoted mother to their three sons, Gregory, Brian, and Bradley. Marvin and Gregory preceded her in death. Ruth is survived by her sons, Brian and Bradley; her grandchildren, Jenna, Scott, Adam, and Violet; and her great-grandchildren, Liam, Beau, Milah, and Reverie. Along with extended family and loved ones.

Ruth was a determined woman who approached life with dedication and care. She found happiness in sewing, quilting, cross-stitching, gardening, reading, and cooking. She enjoyed creating things with her hands and took pride in the time and attention she put into her work. She will fondly be remembered for her chocolate cake that her mother passed on to her, and that she has passed on to her children.

Her grandchildren held a particularly special place in her heart, and she cherished the time she spent with them. Ruth most looked forward to weekly visits from her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. She and Marvin never missed a single birthday or holiday for their family. She spent her life caring for others, both through her work as a nurse and through the countless ways she showed up for the people she loved.

Ruth’s life was a testament to the importance of family, the joy of caring for others, and the lasting impact of a life filled with love. She will be forever cherished and deeply missed by all who knew her.

May she rest peacefully, reunited with Marvin and Gregory, and forever held in the hearts of the family she loved so dearly.