Ruth Ross McGowan

Lifelong Bridgeton Resident
 

Ruth Ross McGowan, 88, of Bridgeton died peacefully with family at her side early Monday morning January 11, 2010 in the emergency room at the Regional Medical Center in Vineland.

Mrs. McGowan was the widow of J. Robert McGowan, who died in 1998. She was born in Bridgeton and was the daughter of the late Paul G. and Ruth M. (nee Stevens) Ross. A 1938 graduate of Bridgeton High School, Mrs. McGowan was a three year varsity girl's basketball player. A lifelong resident of Bridgeton, she lived at her current address for 63 years.

She was a familiar sight at her family's restaurant, The Country Rose, at Dutch Neck Village. She served as the hostess and greeter for many years. Prior to that she worked for more than 30 years in a similar capacity at the former Hickory Steak House at Carlls Corner. She was also employed several years ago at Weber's Candy Store, the Bridgeton Post Office and NJ Bell Telephone Company.

Mrs. McGowan was a longtime member of Central United Methodist Church in Bridgeton and was a member of the United Methodist Women.

For more than 50 years she had been a dedicated member of the Ladies Auxiliary of Shoemaker Post #95, American Legion. In addition to holding every conceivable office, she helped to select the local Girl's State representative each year and ran the Memorial Day "Poppy Campaign." She was active with the Cumberland County American Legion Ladies Auxiliary. Mrs. McGowan was also a common sight at the Bridgeton Invitational Tournament selling raffle tickets on behalf of the American Legion. She had been a volunteer for many years with the American Red Cross and was a regular blood-donor. Years ago she was an instructor at the Rudy Carnegie Dance Studio in Bridgeton and was also active with the Bridgeton Crime Watch.

She is survived by three children, Robert F. McGowan and his companion Bridget of Vacaville, CA, Jean A. Longbottom and her husband Kenneth of Vineland and Donald W. McGowan and his wife Mildred of Upper Deerfield Twp., six grandchildren, John R. Miller, Heather Coggins, Brian McGowan, Melissa D. Walker, Donald W. McGowan Jr. and Tonya McGowan, 7 great grandchildren, 7 step-grandchildren and several step great grandchildren. Mrs. McGowan was predeceased by two sisters, Pauline Capps and Hannah Gauntt.

Relatives and friends are invited to attend the funeral service at the Freitag Funeral Home, 137 W. Commerce St. in Bridgeton on Friday morning January 15th at 11 o'clock.

The interment will take place at Overlook Cemetery in Bridgeton.

Friends will be received at the funeral home Friday morning from 9:30 until 11.

Memorial contributions are suggested to the charity of the donor's choice.

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