Mary Ruth

Mcgowan

Mary Ruth Luetke McGowan passed away peacefully on December 26, 2014, at the Swanton Health Care and Retirement Center. She was born on February 3, 1927, in Toledo's historic Lenk's Hill neighborhood, to the Reverend George N. and Mary Zahn Luetke; she was predeceased by both parents, her sister Irmgard Diehl, and her brothers Paul, Rev. Nathanael, and Philip.

A graduate of Libbey High School, she received a Bachelor of Education degree from the University of Toledo, where she became president of Peppers women's honorary society, served Alpha Omicron Pi sorority as National Music Director, and was selected to appear in the 1947-48 edition of Who's Who in American Universities and Colleges. A gifted vocal soloist and pianist, she also performed at numerous weddings and funerals throughout her high school and college years.

Upon graduation, she taught at Arlington School in Toledo and at Ottawa Hills Elementary School until she retired to assist her husband, John J. McGowan, with his real estate consulting business and to supervise the education of their children. She was a regular volunteer in the schools attended by her children; in addition, she served on the board of the Children's Theater Workshop.

While a member of St. Joan of Arc Church, she served the congregation as a Lector and Eucharistic Minister as well as through their Music Ministry. Though perhaps better known as a musician, she developed an interest in drawing and painting that led her to enroll in classes at The Toledo Museum of Art and participate in various workshops. Her artwork has been displayed in several exhibits--including those at the museum--and has appeared in many personal collections.

Her memberships include The Toledo Museum of Art, The Toledo Orchestra Association, Toledo Botanical Gardens, The Athena Art Society, and Spectrum-Friends of Fine Art. Together with her husband, she had been a member of Sylvania Country Club as well.

She is survived by her husband of over 60 years, John J. McGowan; son John J. McGowan, Jr., Esq. (Mary C. McGowan); daughters Mary Rose McGowan Baine (Larry A. Baine) and Sarah Ellen McGowan (Jeffrey Bullerman); grandchildren Carolyn Rose McGowan, Benjamin A. Baine, and Dr. Nicholas A. Baine (Elaine Knepp Baine), plus numerous nieces and nephews.

She will be laid to rest in Resurrection Cemetery on Tuesday, December 30, following a Mass of Christian Burial at St. Joan of Arc Church on Heatherdowns. Visitation, beginning at 10 a.m., will precede the service. Memorial contributions may be made to St. Francis de Sales High School or to Senior Independence Hospice, whose constant and often extraordinary support was greatly appreciated by the family.