Ruth Geneva (Gard) Bowman, age 96, of Cohasset, MN, died Friday, August 9, 2024, at her home with her daughter by her side.

Ruth was born May 9, 1928, to Harry and Mary Ann (Karskey) Gard in Diagonal, IA where she grew up and attended school.  Ruth met her future husband, Basil Bowman in Walker, MN while working at the Walker Hotel on the lake.  They were united in marriage May 10, 1946, in Walker, MN where they made their home.  Ruth and Basil later resided in Virginia, MN and International Falls, MN for several years while Basil worked in the iron mines. They finally settled in Cohasset, MN in 1957.  In 1961, they owned a wholesale produce trucking company, Bowman's Produce, and in 1975 started The B & R Bowman's Well Drilling which is still owned and operated by their grandsons Dan Chambers and Rodney A. Ketola Jr.

Over the years Ruth was active in the VFW Auxiliary, Loyal Order of Moose, and Fraternal Order of Eagles.  She also enjoyed raising capon chickens.

Preceding her in death were her parents; husband of 68 years Basil in 2014; sons Charles and Michael Bowman; daughters Judy Beckers and Debbie Richardson; ten siblings.

Ruth is survived by her daughter Bonnie Jean Bowman of Cohasset, MN; seven grandchildren; seven great-grandchildren; one great-great-grandson.

Interment for Ruth and her husband Basil will be held at 11:00 AM Wednesday, August 21, 2024, in The Veteran's Section of Itasca-Calvary Cemetery in Grand Rapids, MN. Full military honors will be rendered in recognition of Basil's military service during WWII in the United States Navy.