Ruth A. Towner

Visitation for Ruth A. Towner, 90, of Palatine, will be from 9:00 AM until the time of the Funeral Service at 11:00 AM on Saturday, August 30, 2025, at First United Methodist Church, 123 N. Plum Grove Road, Palatine. The Interment will be private at a later date.

Ruth was born in Malvern, Iowa, on January 26, 1935, to Frank and Edith Davison. She passed away on Friday, August 22, 2025, at the age of 90.

Ruth, her parents and her older brother, Allan lived for many years in their small southwest Iowa town in Mills County, where her father served as superintendent of the local school district. In 1944, the family trekked north to Des Moines in their 1935 Ford. They settled into a home on Iola Avenue, where the future love of her life happened to live just a few blocks down the street. Chuck and Ruth have been together in life ever since he asked her to go with him to the High Y dance in 7th grade.

A proud graduate of Roosevelt High School in Des Moines (1952), Ruth went on to pursue her education at Iowa State University. As her mother before her, Ruth graduated with her degree in home economics and was a member the Chi Omega sorority at ISU, leading the organization as President her senior year.

In 1956, Ruth graduated from Iowa State, Chuck graduated from Drake University, and the two were married at Grace United Methodist Church in Des Moines. Soon after, the events of military life moved the couple around the country and sent Chuck overseas. Ruth worked at the National Institutes of Health in DC while Chuck was stationed at a radar site in Iceland.

Back in the Midwest in 1960, Ruth and Chuck welcomed their son, John, born in Evanston, Illinois. A few years later while living in Appleton, Wisconsin, their family grew again with the addition of their daughter, Kathryn, named after Ruth’s childhood best friend from back in Malvern.

In the mid-1970s, Ruth began a successful career in real estate, a profession in which she thrived and for which she was deeply passionate. She earned numerous awards throughout her career, culminating in the rare honor of being named Realtor Emeritus upon her retirement at Baird & Warner.

Ruth was also deeply committed to her community. She was an active member of the American Association of University Women (AAUW), forming lifelong friendships through her involvement in book clubs and various social circles. She gave her time and energy as a volunteer with the First United Methodist Church in Palatine, where she made lasting connections and contributed to the life of the church.

Ruth was the beloved wife of Charles Towner for 69 years; loving mother of John Towner (Linda Camp) and Kathryn Towner-Goaley (Greg Goaley); the cherished grandmother of Ben Goaley (Madison), Jonah Goaley (Brenna), Chelsea Towner (Edgar), Matthew Towner, Michael Towner, and Milo Towner; and great-grandmother to Charley and Grady.

Ruth lived a life of kindness, and is remembered for her dedication to family, respect for honesty and hard work, and her commitment to faith and community.

In remembrance of Ruth, the family requests that any charitable donations be made to the First United Methodist Church in Palatine.