Ruth Agnes Meiring

Ruth Agnes Meiring, age 74 of Monroe, MI, passed away peacefully on December 19, 2025, surrounded by her loving family.

Ruth was born on December 1, 1951, and was the daughter of the late Robert and Leona Meiring. On August 8, 1999, she married James McGowan at the IHM Motherhouse Chapel.

A devoted educator and faithful Catholic, Ruth dedicated her life to nurturing both the minds and hearts of children. She served as principal of St. Patrick Grade School from 1998-2017, where Catholic education was not just her profession, but her calling. A natural leader with a creative spirit, she was known for her innovative ideas, her steady guidance, and her deep commitment to forming a strong, faith-filled school community.

Ruth attended St. Patrick School and was a 1969 graduate of St. Mary Academy. Ruth earned her bachelor's and master's degrees from Eastern Michigan University. She was a recipient of the St. Patrick School distinguished alumni award and was named the SMCC High School Alumna of the Year in 2023. She was an SMCC Board Member for 12 years and a Stephen Ministry member since 2018. Ruth became an IHM Associate in 2016.

Above all else, Ruth cherished her family. She was a loving mother to James R. Sisung II (Juan Rubero) of Sacramento, CA and Shannon Wood (David) of Belmont, MA, and a proud, devoted grandmother to Harrison Taylor, who brought her immense joy. A cherished activity for Ruth was hosting Euchre tournaments within her community whenever Harrison would visit from Boston, MA. Ruth is survived by her brother Tom (Laura) Meiring, sisters Mary Ann Dobberstein and Donna (Jeff) Langton, and sister-in-law Nancy Meiring as well as many nieces and nephews who loved her dearly. She is also survived by three stepchildren, Alan McGowan (Kimberly) of Novi, MI, Patricia Thomas of Adrian, MI, and Kathleen George (John) of Dearborn Heights, MI; and four step grandchildren.

In 2021, Ruth and her husband, Jim, moved into the Saint Therese IHM Senior Living Community, where her gift for bringing people together flourished once again. True to who she was, she transformed her new surroundings into a place of friendship, care, and belonging- creating a genuine sense of community. Ruth formed many close friendships in her time there.

Those who knew Ruth will remember her warmth, creativity, strong faith, and the way she made others feel seen and valued. Her legacy lives on in the countless students she guided, the communities she strengthened, and the family she loved so deeply.

She was preceded in death by her husband on October 9, 2025, her parents, her brothers RJ Meiring and Charles Meiring, and brother-in-law, Frank Dobberstein.

Visitation will be held on Sunday, December 21, 2025, from 1 to 7 p.m. at Bacarella Funeral Home, 1201 S. Telegraph Rd., Monroe where the Rosary will be prayed at 4 p.m. She will lie in state at the IHM Motherhouse Chapel on Monday beginning at 10 a.m. Mass of the Resurrection will be celebrated at 11 a.m. by Rev. Fr. Steven Mateja, and assisted by Ruth's nephew, Deacon Drew Langton. Private burial will take place at St. Patrick Cemetery, Carleton.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to St. Patrick School, IHM Sisters, or SMCC High School in her honor.

Ruth was so loved and will be missed by all who knew her.

Online condolences and special memories may be shared with the family by visiting the obituary page at www.bacarellafuneralhome.com.