Salem - Ruth Fowler, 89, was born Frances Ruth Gilstrap in Spokane, WA, on January 22, 1917, the second daughter of the late Pastor Ellmore J. and late Mary Gilstrap.  Ruth went to be with he beloved Lord Jesus, just in time to celebrate His birthday with Him in person, Sunday afternoon, Dec. 17, 2006 after a courageous battle with Alzheimer’s.  She’s now rejoining her husband Kenneth who preceded her in passing in February of 2000.  Their nearly 64 wonderful years of marriage began Sept. 10, 1936.  Also preceding her in passing were her sister, Margaret Leicht, and her grandson, Curtis Fowler.

Ruth was richly involved in her church as an organist, Bible scholar, inspirational artist, missionary to Japan, and spiritual role model for countless young people.  She helped start a church in Kaneohe, Hawaii, where she and Ken lived for several years.  As a lifelong member of the Christian Church, (Tuner Christian Church in Turner, OR; Court Street Christian Church in Salem, OR; and First Christian in Boise, ID, etc.), she enjoyed travel, painting, playing piano and organ, ceramics and gardening-- (especially bonsai plants); but her greatest passion was her family and her Lord Jesus. 

Ruth is dearly remembered by her three children, Margaret E. Allington of Springfield, MO; Bruce K. (Judy) Fowler of Greensburg, PA; Frances M. (Ron) Daly of Meridian, ID, and their families; and by her two living sisters, Josephine Blakemore of Chicago, Ill., and Fernel (Mrs. Roy) Downing of Hanford, CA, and their families.  Ruth will be fondly missed by her 11 grandchildren and 24 great-grandchildren, and by her many students and countless friends.  Memorial Service will be held at Turner Christian Church Thursday, Jan. 4, 2007 at 2 P.M., with Pastor D. H. Shearer officiating.  Arrangements are by Virgil T. Golden Funeral Service.