****UPDATED DATE****

Ruth Ann Mowan, age 87 of New Ulm died peacefully with her family by her side at her home in New Ulm on Tuesday, April 7, 2025.

Mass of Christian burial will be 11 am on Saturday, May 30, 2026, at St. Mary's Catholic Church in New Ulm.  Father Jerry Meidl will celebrate the Mass, and ennichement will follow in the New Ulm Catholic Cemetery-Columbarium.

Visitation will be held from 9-11 am on Saturday, May 30th at St. Mary's Church prior to the Mass.

The Minnesota Valley Funeral Homes of New Ulm are assisting the family with arrangements at this time.

To leave an online condolence for her family, or to sign the guestbook, go to: mvfh.org

Ruth is survived by her daughters, Kim (Jaime) Garcia of Tampa, Florida; Lea Mowan of Minneapolis, Tracy (Craig) Beckman of New Ulm; her son, Jon Mowan (firstborn) of New Ulm; her grandchildren, Nicholas (Chris Coyne) Garcia of Tampa, Florida, Brittany (Dan) McKay and their children, Reagan and Madeline of St. Augustine, Florida; her brother-in-law, John Houghton; and many loved nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents; her sisters, Rosemary (Otto) Werner, and twin sister, Rita Bartl.

Ruth Ann Bartl was born on October 27, 1938, in New Ulm to Anton and Marcella (Simmet) Bartl. She grew up in New Ulm and was a 1956 graduate of Cathedral High School. She later attended Mankato State University, where she studied English. It was during her time in Mankato that Ruth met John Mowan. The couple was later united in marriage and blessed with three daughters and one son, whom they raised together in New Ulm. They later separated.  Early in life, Ruth dedicated herself to her family as a loving mother and homemaker. She was also instrumental in helping establish Mowan's Bar alongside John, where she worked as both a bartender and cook. Ruth later began a long and fulfilling career at the New Ulm Medical Clinic, working in coding for over 30 years until her retirement in 2010.

Ruth had a deep commitment to her community and generously shared her time and talents with others. She volunteered countless hours at St. Mary's Catholic Church, where she sang in the choir, served as a Eucharistic minister, helped serve funeral lunches, and was always willing to lend a helping hand. She was also a proud member of the Turner Ladies at Turner Hall in New Ulm. In addition, Ruth had a passion for teaching and connection, helping teach English to Cambodian immigrants in Minnesota and participating in the German Summer Camp at Flandrau State Park.

Proud of her German heritage, Ruth was an active member of the German Bohemian Society, where she shared her love of music by singing and traveling with the group. She enjoyed traveling extensively across the country and abroad, often alongside her twin sister, Rita.  Ruth was well known for her warm hospitality and exceptional cooking. She cherished every opportunity to host family gatherings and bring loved ones together. In her quieter moments, she found joy tending her flower gardens, spending time with her beloved pets, and going for walks.

Above all, Ruth's greatest joy in life was the time she spent with her children and grandchildren. Her love for her family was unwavering and at the heart of everything she did.  Ruth will be remembered for her kind heart, generous spirit, and the joy she brought to those around her. She leaves behind a legacy of love, service, and strong family values that will continue to live on through all who knew and loved her. Blessed be her memory.

Mvfh.org