Ruth A. Bower
September 11, 1932 ~ October 3, 2021
Ruth A. “Nana” Bower, of Taylorville, passed away on October 3, 2021 in Springfield.
Ruth was born on September 11, 1932 to Howard D. and Armeada M. (Roach) Birdsell in Jacksonville. She moved to Taylorville with her family while in 3rd grade. She attended the Taylorville schools, graduating from Taylorville High School with the class of 1951. She married Leo T. Swiney on December 1, 1951. They had three children and later divorced. On November 29, 1975 she married, “The Love of Her Life”, William H. “Bill” Bower in Frankfort, IN. Bill passed away in Frankfort, IN on June 4, 1994.
Ruth moved back to Taylorville in 1998 to be closer to her family. She was employed by the U.S. Dept. of Agriculture – Christian Co. ASCS in Taylorville for 24 years, and with Clinton County Bank & Trust Co. in Frankfort, IN for 14 years. Ruth always felt very fortunate to have held two different careers in public service of which she enjoyed to the fullest. She thought she was so fortunate to have been able to serve so many wonderful people and make so many new friends in these two positions.
Ruth was an active member of Taylorville First United Methodist Church, serving as Chairperson on many committees, the President-Coordinator for Ansarettes (a Shrine widow’s organization), and delighted in reuniting the THS Class of 1951 with a tri-monthly newsletter along with bi-monthly class luncheons and many class reunions.
Ruth had a very blessed life with Bill, with their strong support of Purdue University, as well as traveling with the Purdue basketball teams. They also worked together at the Indiana 500 races, and the Indianapolis Colts football games, as well as being a very loving Nana and Grandpa Bill to their grandchildren.
She had many interests in life which included, reading, sewing, various crafts, floral arranging, working in her yard, and watching hummingbirds and butterflies. Ruth delighted in assisting or volunteering often, wherever she felt needed with her church and many friends. She enjoyed sending and receiving, by mail, many cards, notes, and letters. Ruth believed and reminded many that age is a figure only, and not something that has to define life as it was given us to enjoy, as well as help others not so fortunate. She believed in the following: “Enjoy each day life gives you, it may be your last” and “Loving Memories are Forever.”
Ruth is survived by her daughter, Diane G. Swiney-Lewis of Taylorville; sons, Steven T. (Angie) Swiney of Woodstock, and Randale N. Swiney of Hayden, ID; granddaughters, Courtney L. (Adam Turner) Lewis of Modesto, Shaunessy D. Lewis of Springfield, and Megan R. Lewis of Virden; grandson, Zackery W. Swiney of Taylorville; great granddaughters, Antonio E. Turner, Delaney J. Turner, both of Modesto, Daivany D. Hogan of Virden, and Mikaela D. Swiney of Taylorville; great grandsons, Jayden D. Turner of Modesto, and Zackery H. Swiney and Liam Swiney, both of Taylorville; Sister-in-law, Sandy Fabbri-Birdsell of Springfield; along with several nieces, nephews, and cousins.
She was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Bill; brother, Cullen E. Birdsell; and extra special aunts, Lula Souza Duerst, Cordelia Birdsell, and Irene Hopper.
In accordance with Ruth’s wishes, private funeral ceremonies were held.
Memorial contributions may be made to: First United Methodist Church, 200 S. Walnut Street, Taylorville, IL 62568, or St. Louis Shriner’s Hospital for Children c/o Shrine Center, 630 S. 6th Street, Springfield, IL 62705.
The family has entrusted Shafer-Perfetti & Assalley Funeral Home with ceremonies.
Please visit www.assalleyfuneralhomes.com to share memories of Ruth, or offer condolences to her family.
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Ruth always had a contagious smile, sorry for your loss
I was fortunate enough to know Nana since childhood. I even had the pleasure of spending one summer with her and Grandpa Bill at their home in Indiana with their granddaughter, and my close friend, Megan. I remember Nana fondly – always full of love and such a classic beautiful woman, inside and out.
Rest peacefully, Nana.
What a grand lady. Though my mother didnt graduate with her class, Ruth made sure she and my father were always invited to every reunion or class function. Always giving, always complimentary and friendly. We were blessed to get her wonderful cards with a heartfelt note. I will truly miss this special lady. My condolences to her whole family.
Such a shock to learn of Ruth’s death. She was so gracious, kind, and caring. I remember her from the Farm Service Agency — always smiling and helpful, then of course more recently the church. She amazed me with her boundless energy and always that smile. She will truly be miss, but we know she is at peace. May your many wonderful memories give you comfort and peace at this sad time.
My friendship with Ruth was our times together working and attending our ansaretts, lunching, and gatherings. She has been a blessing to me with her visits to me at Taylorville Estates And her beautiful table decorations to our dining room. I have lost lost a dear friend and I feel your loss.
From Helen Mcward
A anserett
Ruth’s name & photo on the on-line Breeze Courier obituaries had me in dis-belief. I had phoned her for her birthday last month from our home in Virginia; and she had sounded as always: alert and active.
Ruth & I were THS classmates; and it was her surprise return to our 45th reunion–and her later move to Taylorville–that led to her exceptional leadership of our class of 1951 with commitment and innovation. In the following decades, she kept our class exceptionally united as we faced our aging years. My wife & I will miss Ruth’s friendship, kept alive with extensive cards, letters and phone calls.