Ruth Hester Lowder of New Bern passed away peacefully at the Riverpoint Crest Nursing Home in New Bern on March 31, 2017. Born September 10, 1920 in Los Angeles, CA, Mrs. Lowder was the daughter of Harry E. and Mary Ellen Hester.

She graduated from John Marshall High School and attend UCLA. She worked for Southern Pacific Railroad before marrying and moving to North Carolina. She was a member of the USO during World War II. She worked for Avon both as a representative and a district manager. She was a musician playing viola in many orchestras and also taught piano to generations of students.

Ruth was predeceased by her parents, sister, and three brothers. She was married to the late James F. Lowder (Jim).

Survivors include daughters Cathy Lowder of Hilo, Hawaii, Chris Allred (Sam) of Charlotte, James Lowder, Jr., of New Bern, and Steven Lowder of Clifton, Texas; granddaughter Michele Lowder, grandson Shawn Allred, granddaughter Alanda Strutz, grandson Noah Lowder, and granddaughter Kyra Joelle Lowder; great granddaughters Samantha Strutz, Aubrie Strutz, Elle Strutz and Daphne Allred, and great grandsons Jude Strutz and Declan Allred.

Ruth and James had a wonderful marriage of 48 years. Living in Asheville, Norwood, Hickory and Sunset Beach, they were involved in many church and community activities. Ruth was a charter member of the Piedmont Symphony Orchestra as well as an artist. She and Jim enjoyed traveling taking their four children on many trips across the country to visit west coast relatives. She was well loved by her family, friends, and many music students.

A private service will be held at Brunswick Memorial Gardens, Shallotte, NC.