Virginia Ruth McDowell, 88, of Cedar Rapids and formerly of Mechanicsville, passed away Sunday July 12, 2015 with her family at her side.

Ruth is survived by her husband Gordon, children; Linda Kepler (Bill Newlen), Craig McDowell (Shelley), Gordy McDowell (Belia) and Shelly McDowell (Rick Connelly), grandchildren; Eirik Kepler, Nikki Carmer (Mike), Travis Kepler, Aaron (Casey), Brian and Jason McDowell, Cole Harlan (Emily) and Stephanie Blankenship (Jeff), great grandchildren; Kourtney Kepler and Dallas Carmer, nieces; Lorraine Schultz and Kathy Rand. She is preceded in death by her parents and sister, Margaret Howard (Kenneth).

Ruth was born August 24, 1926 in Farnam, Nebraska to the late Herman and Daisy Beye. They later moved to the Marshalltown area where she attended elementary and high school. After graduation she moved to Cedar Rapids and attended Business College.

Ruth married Gordon McDowell on June 3, 1950 after moving to Mechanicsville she became involved in many community activities. She will always be remembered for her years as a Camp Fire leader and how she enjoyed her job at the Mt. Vernon Sun News covering all the Mechanicsville social events and city council meetings. Later in life she loved to play cards and volunteer at the senior center.

A private graveside service will be held Thursday July 16, at 2pm. Arrangements are being handled by Cedar Memorial Funeral Home.