Ruth Bowen

Ruth Marjorie Bowen, one of four daughters of Nellie May (Morris) and Fred Wilson Pierce, was born at her parent's home in Oakland, Iowa on October 14, 1915. Ruth grew up in Oakland where she graduated from high school. She graduated from the University of Nebraska at Lincoln with her bachelors degree in business and worked as the bookkeeper for Emerson Farm Supply and Charles Lakin Farms, both of Emerson, Iowa. Ruth and Mark Walter Bowen of Hastings, IA were married at Horton, Kansas on February 24, 1940. They made their home on a farm near Hastings and were blessed with a daughter, Linda. In 1952, Ruth, Mark, and Linda moved to the Pierce family farm northwest of Hastings. Ruth enjoyed music of all types and enjoyed playing the piano and organ. She was a private person who enjoyed her independence.
Mark and Ruth had been married nearly 46 years when Mark died in January of 1986. Ruth continued to live on the farm until declining health and mobility encouraged her to move to a home in Red Oak, IA.
Ruth died at her Red Oak home on June 17, 2004, having attained the age of 88 years, 8 months, and 3 days. Ruth was preceded in death by her parents, daughter Linda Bowen, husband Mark Bowen, and sisters Verna Pleak, Elsie May, and Leila Clemons. She is survived by her nieces Verla Scambler of San Diego, California, Jean Bingham of Klamath Falls, Oregon, Norma Bailey of Hyannis, Massachusetts, and Marlene Dodson of North Platte, Nebraska; and caregiver Maxine Wilkinson of Emerson, Iowa.
Ruth's remains were cremated and buried at North Grove Cemetery near Hastings, Iowa during a private service. Memorials are suggested to the Hastings United Methodist Church. Mansfield-Hertz Funeral Home of Malvern, Iowa were in charge of arrangements.