Ruth Marilyn (Bradley) Dowlin

Ruth Marilyn (Bradley) Dowlin went peacefully to her new heavenly home on Wednesday, January 5, 2022. On December 30, 2021 she had celebrated her 94th birthday.

Ruth was born and raised on a farm southwest of Moberly. She was the third of six children of Aubrey Martin Bradley and Thelma Bondaline (Littrell) Bradley.

She was preceded in death by her parents; her brother, A.M. Bradley, Jr; sisters, Glenna June (Bradley) Roe, Dorothy Ann (Bradley) Robb, Evelyn Marie (Bradley) George and Anita Grace (Bradley) Lewis.

On May 17, 1953, Ruth married her husband of 64 years, William Lee Dowlin, Sr. He preceded her in death in July of 2017. She is survived by their son, William Lee Dowlin, Jr. and wife, Sandra Allison of Kansas City, Missouri. Also surviving is their daughter, Candace Pendora Dowlin-Greene and husband, Terry Greene of rural Middle Grove, Missouri.

Ruth’s early education took place at Patton School, south of Moberly. She graduated from Higbee High School in 1945 and briefly attended Moberly Junior College. Following this, she pursued her LPN at Woodland Hospital. She eventually was employed by Southwestern Bell, serving in Moberly, then St. Joseph and finally Denver, Colorado.

Early married life was spent on a small farm south of Mexico, Missouri before moving the family to rural Middle Grove in 1959. During her 62 years in the community, she was an active supporter of the Middle Grove School and the Wednesday Morning Regulars, while assisting Bill with the farm. Ruth was a staunch supporter of Missouri Right to Life. Her interest in the Constitution led her to be active in following governmental policy planning, and attempted implementation. She was an avid antique collector and loved to travel. Her family vacations would find them on the road to New England or New Orleans, Miami or Mt. Rushmore, with even a couple of forays out of the country.

Faith was a cornerstone of Ruth’s life. She was an active member of Union Avenue Christian church (now, Timberlake Christian Church) for over 60 years. She taught children’s classes, worked in the nursery and assisted with various special projects.

It was once said that, “Bill’s sense of humor did not match Ruth’s sense of urgency”. She preferred to get one job finished, do it correctly the first time and move onto the next. She worked to live her faith to the best of her ability and interpretation. Ruth tried to do the right thing and gave her children the example to try to love and forgive, even in the face of challenge, disagreement and adversity.

If considering her legacy, one might note that she loved her God. She loved and never gave up on her family. She loved her freedoms by being able to live in this great country and she worked to the best of her ability to serve all three.

Funeral services celebrating Ruth’s life will be held on Friday, January 14, 2022 at 12:30 p.m. at Pathway-Millard Family Funeral Chapel, 411 Union Ave., Moberly. A private interment will be held at a later time. Visitation will be held at the funeral home from 11:00 a.m. until the time of service.

Memorial contributions in Ruth’s honor are suggested to Show-Me Christian Youth Home, La Monte, MO 65337 or to the Timberlake Food Pantry, 1624 Gratz Brown St., Moberly, MO 65270.

Arrangements are under the direction of PATHWAY-MILLARD Funeral Directors, 411 Union
Avenue, Moberly, Missouri 65270 (660) 263-7284. Condolences may be left online for the family at www.pathwaymemorial.com.