Ruth Agnes Meiring, age 74 of Monroe, MI, passed away peacefully on Dec. 19, 2025, surrounded by her loving family. Ruth was born on Dec. 1, 1951, and was the daughter of the late Robert and Leona Meiring. On August 8, 1999, she married James McGowan at the IHM Motherhouse Chapel.
A devoted educator and faithful Catholic, Ruth dedicated her life to nurturing children’s minds and hearts. She served as principal of St. Patrick Grade School from 1998-2017, where Catholic education was not just her profession, but her calling. A natural leader with a creative spirit, she was known for her innovative ideas, steady guidance, and deep commitment to building a strong, faith-filled school community.
Ruth attended St. Patrick School and graduated from St. Mary Academy in 1969. Ruth earned her bachelor’s and master’s degrees from Eastern Michigan University. She was a recipient of the St. Patrick School distinguished alumni award and was named the SMCC High School Alumna of the Year in 2023. She was an SMCC Board Member for 12 years and a Stephen Ministry member since 2018. Ruth became an IHM Associate in 2016.
Above all else, Ruth cherished her family. She was a loving mother to James R. Sisung II (Juan Rubero) of Sacramento, CA and Shannon Wood (David) of Belmont, MA, and a proud, devoted grandmother to Harrison Taylor, who brought her immense joy. A cherished activity for Ruth was hosting euchre tournaments in her community whenever Harrison visited from Boston, MA. Ruth is survived by her brother Tom (Laura) Meiring, sisters Mary Ann Dobberstein and Donna (Jeff) Langton, and sister-in-law Nancy Meiring, as well as many nieces and nephews who loved her dearly. She is also survived by three stepchildren, Alan McGowan (Kimberly) of Novi, MI, Patricia Thomas of Adrian, MI, and Kathleen George (John) of Dearborn Heights, MI; and four step-grandchildren.
In 2021, Ruth and her husband, Jim, moved into the Saint Therese IHM Senior Living Community, where her gift for bringing people together flourished once again. True to who she was, she transformed her new surroundings into a place of friendship, care, and belonging— creating a genuine sense of community. Ruth formed many close friendships in her time there.
Those who knew Ruth will remember her warmth, creativity, strong faith, and the way she made others feel seen and valued. Her legacy lives on in the countless students she guided, the communities she strengthened, and the family she loved so deeply. She was preceded in death by her husband on Oct. 9, 2025, her parents, her brothers RJ Meiring and Charles Meiring, and her brother-in-law, Frank Dobberstein.
Ruth was so loved and will be missed by all who knew her.