Ruth F. Owens

Ruth F. (nee Bilich) Owens passed away at her home in Willoughby, Ohio on Wednesday, Jan. 14, 2009.

She lived in Sandpoint, Idaho from 2005 to 2008 to be closer to her children.

She was born March 24, 1930 in Cleveland, Ohio, the daughter of Louis and Florence (McGinnis) Bilich.

An accomplished musician and former 14-year employee of the Cleveland Plain Dealer newspaper, Ruth was well known for her compassion, generosity and love of music.

In Ohio, she was a 12-year volunteer for Big Brothers & Big Sisters of Lake County, a member of the Elyria Banjo Club, and a founding member of The Senior Combo band that entertained at numerous nursing homes throughout the Cleveland area since her retirement in 1992.

 Most recently she was a band member in the "Let the Music Play" weekly program at the Browning Senior Center in Willoughby, Ohio.

In Sandpoint, she volunteered with Bonner Community Hospice, the Tri-State Water Quality Council, and the Veterans of Foreign Wars, and was a member of the Ladies Auxiliary VFW.

She was also regular participant of the bi-weekly jams at the Sandpoint Senior Center.

Survivors are her children, Clay (Diane) Williams of Sagle, Idaho, and Stephen Williams of Hot Springs, Mont.; grandchildren, Ian Williams of Polson, Mont., and Devin Williams of Hot Springs, Mont.; and siblings, Eugene Bilich of Wisconsin, Lucille (George) Zivkovich of Ohio, Joan Bilich of New Hampshire, and Lynne (Renee) Glaeske of Colorado.

She was preceded in death by her loving husband and fellow banjo player, Paul Owens, in 1979.

In keeping with Ruth's wishes, she will be cremated and there will be no funeral services.

Memorial contributions may be made to Bonner Community Hospice, P.O. Box 1448, Sandpoint, Idaho 83864. (Please note as "Ruth Owens Memorial.")