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May 11, 1928 — May 8, 2020

Ruth Irene Cowham, 91, of Cassopolis, died peacefully Friday, May 8, 2020, in the comfort of her family’s presence, just three days before her 92nd birthday.

She was born May 11, 1928, in Three Rivers, the third of six children of David and Leona Yoder.

She married Maynard Dean Cowham Oct. 16, 1954, in Cassopolis. After more than 48 years of marriage he preceded her in death in 2003.

Ruth was a loving mother, grandmother and great-grandmother. Her grandkids loved her cooking and spending time on the farm with her and Grandpa.

She was an active member of Bethel Community Church. Ruth loved farming and living on the farm with her husband and family.

Ruth will be greatly missed by family and friends. She is survived by her three daughters, Patricia (Larry) Joyner, of Niles, Jayne Fox, Joan (Steven) Potter, both of Cassopolis; 11 grandchildren, Larry “Adam” (Sheha) Joyner, of Granbury, Texas, Holly (Warren) Kirk, of Gardnerville, Nevada, Amber (Anthony) Dempsey, of Cassopolis, Mark Joyner, of Kalamazoo, Nicholas (Julie) Fox, of Cassopolis, Heidi (Bryan) Datema, of Wisconsin, Heather (Chris) Moulton, of California, Jennifer (Nate) Jackson, of Decatur, Cassie Fox, of Cassopolis, Sally (Cameron) Caldwell, of Portage, Daniel (Amy) Potter, of Plainwell; 21 great-grandchildren; one sister, Eunice Dunn, of Waklee; one sister-in-law, “Dode” Yoder; and a host of nieces and nephews.

In addition to her husband, she was preceded in death by her parents; two sisters, Helen Waldo, Betty Woods; two brothers, Richard Yoder, George Yoder; one son-in-law, Patrick Fox; one sister-in-law, Doris Yoder; and three brother-in-law’s, Murray Waldo, Bill Woods and David Dunn.

Mrs. Cowham will be laid to rest beside her beloved husband in Crane Cemetery in Volinia Township following a graveside service.

The family prefers contributions in memory of Ruth be made to Cass County Medical Care Facility, 23770 Hospital Street, Cassopolis, MI 49031.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Connelly Chapel Wagner Family Funerals, Cassopolis. Please share a memory or a message online: wagnercares.com.