Ruth Romaine Royer Sowers
Ruth Romaine Royer Sowers was born on January 15, 1945, in Altoona, Pennsylvania. She joined her mom and dad, Dorcas and Dan Royer, and a 2 ½ year old sister Rachel. Ruth was raised on the family farm in Williamsburg, PA. She graduated from Williamsburg High School in 1962. Upon graduation she moved to Washington DC and worked at the Department of State under the Kennedy administration. While in Washington DC, she attended the Washington Bible College, where she met her future husband, Larry Sowers. She graduated from college in 1967 and they were married one year later on August 31, 1968. While Larry was preparing for the ministry and attending seminary from 1968-1971, Ruth worked at the White House. She was assistant secretary to Charles (Chuck) Colson, special counsel to President Richard Nixon. After Larry’s graduation from seminary, they took their first church in West Palm Beach, FL. In September 1972 their first daughter, Kerri, joined their family, followed by their second daughter Kelli in March 1975 and their third daughter Korri in July 1977. Also in 1977, the family moved to Hagerstown, MD. They served the Lord together at Maranatha Brethren Church for the next 13 years. Larry was the pastor and Ruth sang in the choir, worked with the WMC women’s ministry and worked in the Awana program. In 1990 the family moved to Hollidaysburg, PA. Larry pastored the Vicksburg Grace Brethren Church. Ruth was the church secretary, sang in the choir and taught the woman’s Sunday school class. On September 16, 1994, the Lord called their third daughter, Korri, home to be with Himself. In 2000, Ruth and Larry moved to Lynchburg, VA. They have served in the Thomas Road Baptist Church for the past 26 years continuously. Ruth worked in the VBS (Vacation Bible School) program each year. In 2007 Ruth retired from the federal government with 37 years of service, the majority of which was with the Social Security Administration. Ruth is survived by her husband, Larry of 58 years; two daughters, Kerri Saunders (husband Joseph), Kelli Marten (husband Paul); five grandchildren, Mackenzie Clark (husband Aaron), Reagan Lipscomb (husband Drew), Reid Saunders, Mitchell Saunders and Adelynne Marten; two great grandchildren, Jude Clark age 2 and Micah Clark age 5 months. She is also survived by her sister Rachel Michelone, two nieces Sara McGraw (husband Sean), Samelyse Lees (husband Bryan) and five great nieces and nephews. One of Ruth’s favorite Bible verses was Micah 6:8: “He has shown you, O mortal, what is good. And what does the Lord require of you but to act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God.” Ruth loved the Lord and her family with her whole heart. She strove daily to walk humbly with the Lord. She was the best example of what a Godly wife, mother and grandmother should be. God blessed us all with countless wonderful memories of her that we will cherish forever. She will be greatly missed by her family and the friends she made in the 81 years of her earthly life. She often spoke about the day when the Lord would take her hand to lead her home. She was so excited to see her mom and dad and Korri waiting for her. In our sadness, we can’t help but celebrate the glorious reunion that must have been! A funeral service will be held at 6:00 pm on Wednesday, September 9, 2026 at Whitten Monelison Chapel with Pastor Larry Sowers officiating. The family will receive friends an hour prior to the service. A graveside service will take place in the Presbyterian Cemetery in Williamsburg, PA at a later date.
