Ruth E. Bowers, 88, of Defiance, passed away peacefully at her home on Saturday, December 15, 2018. She was born on February 9, 1930 to Ernest and Mandy (Farris) Schackow in Junction, Ohio. In 1949 she married Eugene Bowers, who preceded her in death on November 27, 2007. Ruth was a faithful member of St. John Lutheran Church, and The Defiance Society of Artists. She was an excellent cook, and enjoyed painting, collecting antiques, and taking trips to Shipshewana. She will be deeply missed by her family and friends. Ruth is survived by her sons, Mark (Susan) Bowers of Boston, MA, and Kent (Phyllis) Bowers of Defiance, three grandchildren; Elise Bowers, Louis Bowers, and Amy Lemaster, three great-grandchildren; Cody Watson, Taylor Pedroza, and Shaelyn Pedroza, sisters, Virginia Clyburn, Myrtle Ruffer, and Justine Sprow, and brother, August Schackow

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Eugene Bowers, brothers Morton, Raymond, and Ernest Schackow, and a sister, Helen Engelmann. Visitation will be held from 10:00 to 11:00 am on Thursday, December 20, 2018 at Schaffer Funeral Home in Defiance. A funeral service will follow at 11:00 am at Schaffer Funeral Home, with Rev. Donald L. Luhring officiating. Burial will take place at Riverside Cemetery. Memorials are suggested to St. John Lutheran Church, or Defiance Society of Artists. Online condolences can be given at www.Schafferfh.com.