Ruth A. Agnew Rowley

Ruth Agnes Agnew Rowley, 94, entered into her heavenly rest on Tuesday, December 28, 2021, after a brief illness.

Ruth was born on September 7, 1927, in Hopewell Township to Charles B. Agnew and Anna (Annie) Murphy Agnew. She grew up in Hopewell and later in life moved to Beaver. During the last twelve years, she was a resident of The Masonic Village of Sewickley. After graduating from Hopewell High School in 1945, she attended Garfield Business School, graduating in 1947. As a young woman, Ruth was active in the Hopewell Township Ladies Social Circle, her mother Annie was a charter founding member. Upon graduation from Garfield Business School, Ruth accepted a job at Ruffner and Moore Insurance Agency in Aliquippa. At Ruffner and Moore, Ruth fine tuned her bookkeeping, administrative, and organizational skills, as well as providing excellent customer service. Unbeknownst to Ruth, a young college student and ex-GI, who worked in his father’s nearby law office, would purposefully bring business from his dad’s office to Ruffner and Moore. Mr. Moore insisted to the other staff that, when that young college student stopped by the office, Ruth was the only person allowed to wait on him. The young college student’s name was James E. Rowley, and they married on June 14, 1949. They chose their wedding date to commemorate the anniversary of their first date. As Ruth and Jim began their life together, Jim attended University of Pittsburgh Law School that fall. All during Law School, Ruth was the sole bread winner. Jim commuted to Pitt Law School each day on the train. Upon graduation in 1952, Jim joined his father’s law firm. Ruth then managed the law office’s bookkeeping and tax preparation, as well as assisting with other administrative functions. Their son Dan was born a couple years later, and as with all her previous activities, she enthusiastically embraced her role as a mother. In 1966, Jim was appointed by Gov. Scranton to the Common Pleas Court in Beaver County for a one year term. In 1967, Ruth, Jim, and son Dan made numerous campaign appearances around Beaver County. Judge Rowley won the election for a ten year term. Ruth was always a loving and supportive partner to Jim. In 1977, Judge Rowley was retained as Common Pleas Judge for another ten year term. He would not fulfill his ten years on the Common Pleas Court, because Governor Casey appointed him to the Superior Court of Pennsylvania. Again, his appointment was for one year, and the next year Ruth enthusiastically embarked on a state wide campaign with her beloved Jim, which they again won. She used to joke that she really got to know the geography of Pennsylvania. Everywhere she went, she would chat with people, and, as the phrase goes, “she never met a stranger.” During the Superior Court years, Ruth became a grandmother to her cherished grandchildren, Jimmy and Katy. Ruth and Jim traveled the world, and she loved all the places they visited, as well as the time they spent on Hilton Head Island. No matter where Dan and his wife Judy lived, they could count on multiple visits. Ruth and Jim were married for fifty-five beautiful years before Jim died in 2004.

Through the years, Ruth and Jim played bridge with their many friends. Ruth was an excellent cook and baker, always making holidays festive by adding her love to the mix. Ruth made many needlepoint works of art for family and friends. Her life-long Presbyterian faith guided her in every day of her life. If invited to share a service from a different faith, Ruth attended with a joyful heart. She always found God wherever she went. Throughout her life, Ruth regularly followed Hopewell and Aliquippa football and basketball teams. On Saturday, she kept up with local college football teams. Of course, on Sundays, she seldom missed watching a Steelers football game. Even when visiting her grandson in Los Angeles, she watched the Steelers with him. And when Katy was in college nearby, the two often spent the weekends together and watched the game. Ruth always kept up with worldwide events and weather. And she loved discussing what was happening all over the world with family and friends. Ruth proudly descended from ancestors whose roots were deeply embedded in Hopewell Township. Her Scottish heritage always brought a smile to her face.

Ruth is survived by her son and daughter-in-law, Daniel and Judith Rowley, Erie, Pa. Grandson James E. Rowley II and his partner Sherry L. Layne, North Hollywood, Ca. Granddaughter Catherine Ruth Ann Rowley, Washington, DC. Her brother Robert Agnew. Robert’s wife, Esther Agnew, predeceased her. Niece Kay Agnew Bonsall and her husband Samuel. Nephews Charles Agnew and his wife Anne, John Agnew and his wife Cynthia. Numerous great nieces and nephews, and a special cousin, Theresa Baliaro and her husband, Joe.

Ruth’s funeral and interment were private due to Covid. A memorial service will be held at a later time. Professional arrangements have been entrusted to the Noll Funeral Home, Inc., 333 Third St., Beaver. Online condolences may be shared at nollfuneral.com.

If desired, memorial contributions can be made to the James E. Rowley Endowment Scholarship Fund at Washington and Jefferson College, 60 S. Lincoln St., Washington, Pa. 15301.

Ruth’s family expresses their appreciation to the staff of The Masonic Village of Sewickley for their excellent care through the years. Also, her family is deeply grateful for the exemplary care Ruth received from her physician, Dr. Barbara Levkoy, whose wise and compassionate care were second to none. Also, the family is indebted to Rev. Tim Reichard, who faithfully ministered to Ruth’s spiritual needs.