Ruthe Meade Kouwe, 93, of Bloomington, Indiana passed away May 27, 2017. She was born March 4, 1924 in Binghamton, New York to Ray and Ada Meade. She graduated from Houghton College in 1946 with a degree in Music Education. She married Rev. Donald J. Kouwe on June 29, 1946. During their 63 years of marriage they enjoyed traveling, ministering to others and entertaining at their house in Brown County. Ruthe taught music in Fillmore, New York for 3 years. During her years as a full time wife and mother, she was also active in the missions program at her church as well as serving as church pianist and choir director. She taught 5th grade at Heritage Christian School in Indianapolis for 11 years. At the age of 65 she was employed by the U.S. Justice Department to head a task force studying the problem of spouse abuse in Indianapolis, Indiana. She later became the director of Breaking Free, an organization dedicated to helping women in spouse abuse situations. She will be lovingly remembered by her growing family: Donna and Phil Captain (Laurie, Jason and Keith), Barb and Kevin Bergstrand (Benji, Brittany and Bradley), Jack and Karen Kouwe (Jaime), Phil and Jeanne Kouwe (Lindsay and Jacob) and 19 great grandchildren. Ruthe loved spending time with her family and friends as well as her pampered cat Danny Boy. She will be remembered as a devoted prayer warrior and spiritual mentor to many.
A memorial service will be held for Ruthe on Saturday, June 10 at 1:00 p.m. at Evangelical Community Church in Bloomington with Pastor Robert Whitaker officiating.
Online condolences may be given at www.DayDeremiahFryeFuneralHome.com
In lieu of flowers contributions can be made to Evangelical Community Church Missions; 503 South High St; Bloomington, Indiana 47401 or New Song Mission; PO BOX 488, Nashville, IN 47448-0488
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Sponsored by Day & Deremiah-Frye Funeral Home.
June 19, 2017
Acquaintance
Jeanette Clausen
She was always so friendly to us when we delivered Meals on Wheels. Her hair always looked great. I had no idea she was 93! We miss her.
June 9, 2017
Dear Kouwe family,
I extend my heartfelt sympathy to all of you with the loss of Ruthe. Ruthe was such a dear and had resided at Bell Trace for such a long, long time! She will be missed by many. Sending love and peace to all of you.
Sincerely,
Joy Harter
Executive Director
Bell Trace
June 8, 2017
CC
To the family of Ruthe Meade Kouwe. May the love of family and friends comfort you. Blessed are they that mourned: for they shall be comforted.
June 8, 2017
Richard Leyda
Dear Kouwe Family, My deepest sympathy in the loss of Ruthe. She was such a close friend and one of God's angels. My wife, Carole, was so close to Ruthe and even through her mental condition, I think she understood when I told her of Ruthe's passing. May God Bless and give you all comfort. Dick Leyda
June 5, 2017
May God's loving kindness and comfort help you and your family through this very sad time Psalms 29:11
June 4, 2017
Jim Weaver
Dear Kouwe family,
The memory of Ruth, for me, is very strong because of the years serving together at Heritage. She was an emergency substitute who was there for eleven years. Great teacherGreat person. Audrey and I will be remembering you during the days ahead. May you know His peace and His presence knowing Ruth is with the Lord.
Jim and Audrey Weaver
June 4, 2017
Debra Jo Endres-Ard
I am sorry and deeply saddened by your family's tremendous loss. Please know you are being held close in thought and prayer during this painfully difficult time. Sending heartfelt condolences and many hugs for all.
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