Ruth Maurine Howe Gorman's Obituary
Ruth Maurine Howe Gorman
Ruth Maurine Howe Gorman, age 95, passed away on Tuesday, November 7, 2006, in Longview, Texas after a long battle with cancer. Services for her will be 2 PM Friday, November 10, 2006 in the chapel of Rader Funeral Home, 1617 Judson Rd., with Reverend Jim Lewis officiating. Interment will follow in Memory Park
Cemetery.
Ruth was born in Nickerson, Kansas on September 13, 1911, the daughter of the Reverend David James Howe and Edith Hanna Rowald Howe. While growing up, Ruth and her family were actively involved in church life and she often assisted her father with the singing at church functions. During her childhood she lived in
Illinois, Wisconsin, and Oregon.
She attended Oregon State University on a voice and drama scholarship. While there,
she joined Chi Omega Sorority, was active in campus life and won recognition for her parts in plays and operettas.
The depression caused Ruth?s family to return to the Midwest where she later met and married James Francis ?Jim? Gorman of St. Louis, Missouri.
They resided there for a few years and their first daughter, Kathlyn Howe Gorman was born in St. Louis.
During World War II, the Gorman?s settled in Southern California where their daughter Sharon Howe Gorman was born. Ruth was extremely active in South Bay Area civic, social, school, and charity organizations. She was a leader in the Girl Scouts of America and was awarded a lifetime membership. She also served as President and was given
a lifetime membership to the Parent Teachers Association. Among her many activities
were the following?.President of Children?s Hospital Auxiliary which later became a Junior League Chairman of Mother?s March of Dimes, Director of Manhattan Beach Community Chest, Director of Safety Day Campaign, Committeeman of City Employees
Pension Fund, and First Chairman of Fun Fair Committee.
The thing that she was most proud of was being the first female in Southern California to be elected to serve on a city council. In 1952, she became a member of the Manhattan Beach City Council. She was to become the mayor of the city, but her husband?s
company transferred him to Dallas, Texas and she had to resign her position.
The Manhattan Beach City Council and Chamber of Commerce honored her with testimonials at this time.
In 1956, the family moved to Dallas, Texas where Ruth became involved with many organizations and activities.
1961 brought the family to Longview, Texas where they opened Gorman Motors, Inc. , a Volkswagen dealership. A few years later Ruth?s sister, Florence Howe McCracken and her husband, C. B. McCracken joined in a partnership with the Gormans and changed
the name of the business to Gorman-McCracken Volkswagen, Inc. After taking on the Mazda franchise, it became Gorman-McCracken Volkswagen-Mazda, Inc.
Ruth served at various offices through the years and the family operated this business for 42 years before selling it.
When Ruth came to Longview, she quickly became active in many aspects of the community.
She joined First Christian Church where she sang in the choir. She was a member of the Pinecrest Country Club, and their Women?s Golf Association, the Chi Omega
Alumni group, the Daughters of the American Revolution, The Garden Study Club, The Birthday Club, and several bridge groups. Some may remember Ruth?s rendition
of ?Aunt Eller? in the Lion?s Club production of ?Oklahoma.?
She was one of the founding members of the Longview Community Theater and served on its board for many years. She was in ?Barefoot in the Park?, ?Arsenic and Old Lace?,
and several productions by that group. After her husband?s death in 1971, she took his place on the Salvation Army Advisory Board. They later honored her with a lifetime membership for her years of service.
Ruth lived a full life and was devoted to her family. She liked to travel and crossed the
Atlantic numerous times over the past 45 years. She loved singing, music, bridge, golf,
bird watching, and drama. She was known to be an independent and dependable woman.
Her husband, James Francis Gorman, her grandson, Edward Oliver ?Rusty? Russell, III,
and all of her siblings, Florence E. Howe-McCracken, Daniel L. Howe, and Harold M. Howe,
preceded her in death.
Ruth is survived by her two daughters and their husbands; Kathlyn Howe Gorman Russell and
Edward Oliver Russell, Jr. of Longview and Sharon Howe Gorman Gredler and Dr. Erich Gredler of Vienna, Austria; grandchildren are Kimberly Ann Russell Brown, Jana M. Russell, of Longview, Texas, Dr. James Erich Gredler and his wife, Dr. Michaela Gredler, and Jennifer Gredler, all of Austria. Ruth was blessed with four great grandchildren, Ryan Oliver Russell, Ruth Anne Russell, and Gorman Elizabeth Brown, all of Longview and Theresa Maria Gredler of Austria.
The family wishes to extend their appreciation and thanks to the wonderful staff at Alpine House
and to the HeartsWay Hospice team for the excellent and loving care they provided Ruth.
The family suggests memorials to First Christian Church, the Salvation Army, HeartsWay
Hospice, or the charity of your choice.
The family will receive friends at the funeral home on Thursday, November 9, 2006, from 5:00 PM until 7:00 PM.
What’s your fondest memory of Ruth?
What’s a lesson you learned from Ruth?
Share a story where Ruth's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Ruth you’ll never forget.
How did Ruth make you smile?