Ruth passed away Tuesday, Feb. 28, 2023, at the Mayo Clinic Health System in Fairmont. Lakeview Funeral Home and Cremation Service in Fairmont is assisting the family with arrangements.

Ruth “Frenchy” Ann (Ehlers) McGowan was born Dec. 7, 1940, in Madelia, Minn., the daughter of Ira and Lucile (Personius) Ehlers. Ruth grew up in Madelia in a home on the edge of town where she fell in love with the idea of country living as she and her family raised chickens, ducks, geese, in addition to having horses and many dogs and cats. She received her education attending school in Madelia. Ruth worked many various jobs throughout her career and took great pride in a hard day’s work. She worked as a receptionist at Mardon Builders in Fairmont in addition to working as a waitress and many local restaurants and also working in housekeeping. In September of 1997, Ruth was united in marriage to John McGowan. The couple made their home in Fairmont before moving north to Mora, Minn., until John’s passing in 1999, when she returned to the Fairmont area. Ruth loved spending time outdoors and could often be found in the summer months soaking in the sun as she worked away in her large garden. Ruth was talented at crocheting and made many gifts through the years for family and friends. Ruth was known for her sometimes erratic driving as she often focused more on the conversation happening with friends and family in the car than what the speed limit or where the car was heading at that particular moment. Her passion for animals carried on into her adult life as she raised many animals and was often found in the company of her four-legged friends. Ruth loved her family and was always there to lend a helping hand or listen as they worked through the struggles of life. Left to cherish her memory are her children, Lucile LeMier and Curtis LeMier; granddaughter, Crystal Kain; great-grandchildren, Cordell Kain and Jorgia Kain; brother, Robert Ehlers; sister, Marilyn Ivers; as well as many nieces, nephews, extended family and friends.

Ruth was preceded in death by her parents, Ira and Lucile Ehlers; husband, John McGowan; first husband, Maynard LeMier; daughter, Brenda Cooper; two sons, Alan LeMier and Kenneth LeMier; great-grandson, Brayden Kain; brothers, Roger Ehlers and Raymond Ehlers; and sister, Eunice Stefanski. www.lakeviewfuneralhome.net

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