Ruth Kowieski

April 10th, 1924 - March 12th, 2010

Ruth's Memory Wall

We encourage you to share your most beloved memories of Ruth here, so that the family and other loved ones can always see it. Share your favorite stories or comment on those shared by others.

I was so sad to hear from my sister today about Ruth's passing. My husband and I saw Ruth and Ed at St. Basil's the last time we were there in September. She looked frail, but was her usual cheerful self and Ed was lovingly assisting her. Ed, what a wonderful example of true love, friendship, and Christian living you and Ruth were to all around you. Our condolences go out to you and all of your children and grandchildren at the loss of this lovely, lovely woman.
Sincerely,
Bev & Woody Edwards

Beverly Sherman Edwards

Mrs.K was always a lovely, caring woman. Those of us that enjoyed her living in the Vatican neighborhood, were blessed. She married a wonderful man, and they raised a terrific family. Religion, education, community and sports were always important Kowieski traits. Our family has enjoyed the decades of friendship. Mom really loved, and respected Ruth, and Ed. I know Mrs. K is up in heaven, watching over all of us, with an abundance of pride and joy, over her loving marriage to Ed, and the fine family that she inspired, tutored, and nurtured with her unconditional love. May God bless all of you, and from recent experience, celebrate and honor her 85 years; the tears are also part of the process, but the memories will last forever.
tony canonie, jr.

tony canonie, jr.

To the Kowieski family
The name will not be familiar to you but I wanted you to know about my friendship with Ruth.
It goes back many years when, I think, the family lived on Ravina or in that area. My husband and I were driving past the house and Ruth was outdoors and frantic as one of the boys had fallen, and if I remember correctly, from a tree or a tree limb had hit/poked him and he was bleeding, My husband said we should stop and ask if she needed help. We did and she did, we took the two of them to the ER. Ruth never forgot that and over the many years that have gone by, if she would see me (one time it was on the South beach), she would stop me, introduce me and tell her friends the story.
Another good memory of recent years..I would phone Ruth because I never remembered when the Orioles arrived. Each year she would chuckle about my phone call. What to do this year!
I wanted to share my memories.
My prayers are with you that you will be comforted in your sorrow.

Mae Markstrom

Mae Markstrom

Dearest Kowieski Family, I feel I have lost my other mother. Oh, the shopping trips to Chicago at the Holidays or our first adventure with McDonalds in Kalamazoo and the perms with us each sitting at the table on Fruit Street. And how brave Ruth was to take The Monroe Girls to see The Beatles! Thanks for sharing the joy of sandy beaches and knitting. I can't help but smile to think of Ruth and Katy FINALLY getting to walk arm in arm to watch over us! She will be missed daily. May His peace hold you and memories sustain you.

Carol Mezak

My warmest thoughts to Jaynie, her father, her brothers, and her sister and all of their families at this time. What memories I have of the Kowieski family! From the wonderful hospitality always extended to me while we lived on Fruit Street, and then again when we reconnected in high school, Jaynie, your mom was always welcoming and wonderful to all of your friends. I have one particular memory of a large group of us crammed into your home to watch The Birds! I only ran into your mom a few times over the past years, but she was always excited to see me and let me know a little of what was going on with you and your family. My thoughts and prayers are with you all. With deepest respect, Kathy

Kathy Rusin Miller

Hello to all.
As time goes by I tell my friends to enjoy their parents while they still have them. The Greatest Generation is slipping away at an alarming rate.
Unfortunately, I speak from experience. Pop and Maudee have been gone for some time now and nothing can fill that void. So talk to your Mom and Dad, hug them and love them because someday you won't be able to. Most importantly, tell them you love them and do not let words go unspoken as someday you will think of that and it hurts deeply.
We can not be with you today in body, but will be there in spirit.
I love and miss you all.
Rob and Jackie Long.

Robert Long for The Kowieski Family

Dear Kowieski Family,

It is appropirate that the last place I saw Ruth was at the grotto a year ago last summer. It seemes to me the grotto represents her love for her faith and St. Basil's Catholic Church and School!
Though thier lives were short, my parents, Jeanne and Eugene, enjoyed rich friendships with people like Ruth and Ed. I am always grateful for the warm memories of their joyful laughter and companionship. Ruth was a leader in the "band of sisters" that helped my mother through her last days. Thank you!
Finally, you will never know what it meant to me and my family that Ruth and Ed continued to send us their yearly Christmas wishes. It was so very nice to be remembered by such special people.
Please accept our most sincere sympathies.
Sincerely, Jane Schmidt Janik

Jane Schmidt Janik

Hey dear Kowieskis, one and all...just as you wrote me, Jaynie, after Mom died, I so share our childhood memories tumbling out of my heart.

The first time I was introduced to "cream cheese" was a Friday afternoon offering from Mrs. K. spread on rye bread. All of us Monroe Marauders, including Julie, grew up in each other's homes. Our lives are woven together no matter how many months or miles we are apart.

When I married Ric Bubin, the Kalamazoo connection deepened. Of course I went to the first MacDonald's on West Main after a snowy afternoon at Echo Valley. Ric was amazed I knew his childhood territory thanks to the Kowieski/Dentzman (sp?) connection.

Mrs. K. was my confirmation sponsor. And though I may not be the best Catholic, I consider myself a spiritual being. Those St. Basil roots blossomed.

Carol Ann Mezak Kohn is right. Katy, Ruthie, Sue Hamlin, Mrs. Adams, Mrs. Goodwillie, Mom, etc. etc. have caught up with one another. They can look at each other and say, "we done good!"

Please know though, our thoughts and prayers are with you all, especially you Mr. K', as you make peace with life on earth without Ruthie. She will help from the other side.

God bless you all! PJ and Ric

PJ Canonie Bubin

Dear Family, we are so sadden to hear about Mrs. Kowieski passing away. I will always remember her smile, and her greetings to me when she saw me. She always made me feel special. I asked about her family and she would ask about mine. Ruth and my mom worked endlessly making St. Basil the best they could. Cooking, serving, giving of themselves. I am hoping ruth and Mom will enjoy being in the hands of the Lord. We will keep you and your family in our thoughts and prayers. Bless you.

Ed and Helene Szostak

Dear Ed,

So sorry to hear of your loss. Ruth was a wonderful woman of faith who shared her faith in Christ with others by living what she believed. The South Haven Community, and St. Basil will miss her very much. As someone who has lost his love of 34 years, I feel what you are going through. When Simeon met Mary with baby Jesus at the temple steps, he told Mary it would be as if a sword had pierced her heart. Now we both know what she felt, and that she knows our pain and can comfort us. God Bless, Tom Greiffendorf