RUTH ANN BOWMAN

Ruth Ann Bowman, age 74, entered her eternal resting place while surrounded by her family on Monday, April 21st, 2025. Ruth Ann was born on June 18th, 1950, in Quincy, IL to Paul R. and Irene Snodgrass Durst. Ruth was a graduate of LaGrange High School.

On October 7th, 1967, she married her high school sweetheart, Derl Ray Bowman. Together, they became active partners on the family farm raising their children and nurturing their grandchildren with the love of family and farming.

Ruth was employed by Montgomery Ward and Culver-Stockton College. Later in life, she and Derl became partners in the real estate business working for Happel Real Estate. Ruth was an active volunteer at the LaGrange Community Youth Center. She was a member of Trinity United Church of Christ.

Ruth’s most valuable work happened within the walls of her home. She lived for her family, taking pride in caring for and helping her siblings, nieces and nephews, her in-laws, parents, husband, friends and neighbors. Ruth’s children and grandchildren were her driving force. She made it her priority to help guide them along the path of life.

Ruth could be found volunteering at her grandchildren’s schools, cheering at ballgames, transporting her grandchildren, running errands, helping to fill in and being ever present in the lives of those she held closest in her heart – Alayna, Drake and Emily. Ruth loved being a mom, but she took being a grandmother to a whole new level.

Ruth’s love language was using her hands to sew, bake and cook. Ruth’s motto was “Busy Hands Are Happy Hands.” She was the hands and feet of Jesus. Her handmade quilts, pies, cookies and homecooked meals will forever be remembered and missed. Everything made in the kitchen of Ruth Bowman was delicious, as it was seasoned with love. Ruth will be remembered for cookie day, cousin fun day and making each day better because she was in it. There was comfort, understanding, lessons and love in her presence.

Ruth is survived by her son, Daryn (Amy) Bowman and her daughter, Denise (Scott) Moore. Her legacy of love will continue through her grandchildren whom she loved dearly: Kenady (Blase) Martin, Kaitlyn (Josh) Hartsook, Alayna Moore, Drake Moore and Emily Bowman.

Ruth is also survived by her mother, Irene Durst. Surviving are also her siblings: Linda Denemark, Susan (John) Knoche and Mike (Tina) Durst. Ruth has numerous nieces, nephews, great-nieces and great-nephews who will live to honor her.

Also surviving, is a daughter of the heart, Kendra (Paul) Scifres, and their children Camden, Carli, Ava and Aspen.

Ruth has been reunited with the love of her life, Derl Ray Bowman. She was also preceded in death by her father, Paul Durst; in-laws, Ray and Geneva Bowman and brother in law, Leon Bowman.

Visitation will be held Sunday, April 27th, 2025, from 2:00 pm until 6:00 pm at Trinity United Church of Christ in Quincy, IL. Services will be at 10:00 am, Monday, April 28th, 2025, at Trinity United Church of Christ with the Reverend Tim White officiating. Interment will be at Mark’s Cemetery, LaGrange, MO.

Pallbearers will be Bruce Brunk, Dewayne Waterman, Ethan Durst, Evan Knoche, Tucker Martin, Halsey Fischer, Tim Cramsey and Adam Wardlow.

Honorary Pallbearers will be Marla, Jared and Jordan Gilliand.

In lieu of flowers, Ruth requested memorials be made to her grandchildren’s education fund in c/o Denise Moore.