Ruth Benge McDowell

On February 10, 2009, Ruth Benge McDowell passed away. Ruth was born to James Elmer and Susie Izora Benge in Texas. She grew up in Palestine, Texas. As a young adult, Ruth moved to Dallas, Texas where she met James Edwin McDowell. They married on March 17, 1957 in Durant, Oklahoma. Ruth and Jim raised two children in Pantego, Texas.

Ruth’s greatest loves were her family, friends, and golf. She belonged to the Shady Valley Golf Club where she was a member of the Women’s Golf Association. In 1967, she was President of the Volunteers of America Auxiliary. Ruth was also a member of the Park Row Church of Christ in Arlington, Texas. She was most proud when her entire family worshipped together and her husband was baptized summer 2008.

Ruth enjoyed visits from her grandchildren every summer. Everyone remembers her as a kind and giving lady. She loved fresh flowers, soft colors, and warm sunshine and lots of it. Ruth was preceded in death by her parents; brother Lellon Benge; nephew Mike Benge; and, sister-in-law Claudine McDowell. She is survived by her husband of nearly 52 years; daughter Angie Garza and husband Dan of Broomfield, Colorado; son Jase McDowell and wife Heather of Trophy Club, Texas; grandchildren Marisa, Parker, Tony, Jaron, and Madison; brother Oran Benge and wife Adelle of Palestine, Texas; and numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.