Inez Bowen

Inez "Ruth" Bowen, 82, of San Bernadino, CA passed away on Friday, January 2, 2009 after a long illness at the Country Villa Hacienda Healthcare Center in San Bernadino, CA. She was born March 26, 1926 in Tallassee, Alabama to the late Colonel S. Bowen Sr. and Ella E. Bowen. Ruth was a former resident of Albany, NY; where she spent tireless hours as a Community Activist in projects and programs that benefited many, while also rendering dedicated and loving care to her children. Ruth continued her journey as a mother and grandmother in San Bernadino, CA where she relocated in the early 1980's.

Ruth is survived by her children: Constance residing in Barberton OH, Vernon of Silver springs, MD, Jonathan of Albany NY, Elaine and Eileen (Ericka) of San Bernardino CA, Arthur of Lancaster MA, Jocelyn of San Bernardino CA, 12 grandchildren, 4 great-grandchildren; her siblings: Ella Williams of East Moline IL, Colonel Bowen Jr. (Bertha) of Albany NY, Rayfield Bowen (Louise) of Akron OH, Manuel Bowen of Dayton OH, Willie Jean Bowen and "Ina" Charlestine Webb (Warren) of Akron OH, and a host of nieces, nephews and friends. Ruth was predeceased by her parents Colonel S. Bowen, Sr. and Ella E. Bowen; her siblings: Abraham, Ezekiel, Elizabeth Jackson, Garfield, Isaac (Ruth's twin), Booker, Johnny, Alice Haygood, Emma Willingham, Lois Skipper, Callie Burton, Betty Chambers, Mary (Plunkie) Mitchell, Willie Mae Bronson, and Della Pearl.

Funeral services will be held Saturday, January 10, 2009 at the New Comer Cannon Funeral Home, 343 New Karner Rd., Colonie (Rt. 155-south of Central Ave). Relatives and friends are invited and may call at the funeral home for viewing 11:00AM – 12 noon before the service. The funeral will follow promptly at 12 noon. To leave a special message for the family online, visit NewcomerAlbany.com