Ruth H. Rowe

Ruth H. Bendsen Rowe, 86, North Manchester, IN died at 7:25 p.m. Sunday, May 13, 2012 in Timbercrest Healthcare Center. She was born at Cook County, Illinois on August 15, 1925 to Danish immigrants, Neils & Ingegborg (Nyby) Bendsen. Ruth was the youngest of six children including Olga Bendsen, Ellen Keim, Victor Bendsen, Marie Beahm Ebersole and Nell Von Ehr - all of whom preceded her in death. The Bendsen children grew up in the shadow of Bethany Seminary, which Ruth always remembered fondly. An active faith and connection with the Church have always been important to her. Ruth met her husband, Jim Rowe, at Manchester College shortly before she graduated in 1947, and on June 11, 1949 they were married. They have three children, Ken (Bonnee) Rowe, Myrtle Beach, SC; Karen (Randy) Roberts-Sare, North Manchester, IN; and Kay (David) Shain, Pataskala, OH. Ruth and Jim have nine grandchildren and one great-grandchild. Also surviving are eleven nephews and nieces. A Home Ec major, she dedicated her early years of marriage to caring for her family. A great cook and caring mom, she was also an accomplished seamtress. In 1969 she earned her Master's Degree and Teacher's certificate from Illinois State University, adding teacher to her list of achievements. Jim and Ruth moved their family back to north central Indiana in 1969 where Jim taught math at Manchester College and Ruth taught fourth grade in North Webster for 20 years before retiring. When they retired they built a home in Brown County, IN and bought the Gypsy Moon Flea Market, bringing them many years of enjoyment together before moving into Timbercrest Senior Living Community in April of 2001. Participating in her faith community was always important to Ruth and so it is no surprise that she enjoyed singing in the Timbercrest Choir, leading hymn sings in healthcare, serving on the visitation committee, library committee and chapel planning committee. She loved spending time with her family and was known for her hospitality. Services will be held Sunday, May 20, 2012 at 2:00 p.m. in Timbercrest Chapel, 2201 East Street, North Manchester, IN. Friends and family may call one hour prior to the service at Timbercrest Chapel. Arrangements are entrusted to McKee Mortuary, 1401 State Road 114 West, North Manchester, IN. Pastor Kurt Borgmann and Joan Deeter will officiate and burial will follow in Pleasant Hill Cemetery, North Manchester, IN. From those who wish to honor the memory of Ruth H. Bendsen Rowe, memorial contributions may be made to Timbercrest Senior Living Community, PO Box 501, North Manchester, IN 46962. To send a private condolence to the Rowe family, use the Condolence link on the Homepage.