Ruth Willock Rowse's Obituary
Ruth (Willock) Rowse
Former Miss Pennsylvania, Resident of Dewey Beach
Ruth (Willock) Rowse of Dewey Beach, DE passed away on May 14, 2010 at age 90 at Delaware Hospice Center, Milford, DE. She was born January 4,1920 in Pittsburgh, PA, daughter of the late Roy Willock, Sr. and Frances (Roberts) Willock.
Mrs. Rowse was a well loved beauty contestant winner and model for Kaufmann's Department Stores in Pittsburgh. After winning numerous local beauty competitions, Mrs. Rowse became Miss Pittsburgh 1938 going on to win the title of Miss Western Pennsylvania in 1938. At age 18, she was a contestant in the 1938 Miss America Pageant in Atlantic City. In 1939, competing in the Miss America Pageant a second time as Miss Pennsylvania, she was one of the few, if not the only contestant, to participate two years running. Following several years of fashion modeling, advertising and promotional appearances she met and married her husband Raymond Rowse. They resided at Chanute Field, IL during the war years where he served in the Army Air Corps.
Mrs. Rowse was employed in part time sales and administrative positions while raising her three children, returning to full time employment later in life. She enjoyed a successful career as a real estate agent for Shannon & Luchs Realtors in the Washington metropolitan area for over a decade before retiring to her Dewey Beach home. There she resumed her life long love of painting and enjoyed the company of many dear friends, neighbors and family.
In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband Raymond Rowse (1996). She is survived by her sons Mark Rowse, Lee Rowse and her daughter Marilyn Campbell, their partners, four grandchildren, four great grandchildren, four nieces and two nephews.
A Memorial Service will be held Friday, May 21, 2010, at 2:00 PM, at Parsell Funeral Homes & Crematorium, Atkins-Lodge Chapel, 16961 Kings Highway, Lewes, DE. Interment will be private.
Contributions in her memory may be made to the Alzheimer's Association, 109 N. Bedford Street, Georgetown, DE 19947 (alz.org) or your favorite charity.
Sign online guest book at www.parsellfuneralhomes.com
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