Ruth Ann M. Bilowith, dedicated volunteer

Ruth Ann M. Bilowith, 80, of Ocean View, formerly of Clifton, N.J., passed away peacefully surrounded by her loving family at her daughter’s home in Skowhegan, Maine.

She was born April 17, 1941, in Newark, N.J., the daughter of the late Louis Petrella and the late Elizabeth (Scanlon) Petrella. She retired as an office manager almost 30 years ago.

After her retirement, Ruth Ann volunteered countless hours in her surrounding community.  She was a member of the Mason Dixon VFW Auxiliary, the General Federation Women’s Clubs locally and on the state level, and the Sussex County Eagles in Ocean View. Ruth Ann also served on the board at the Stockley Center in Georgetown and was involved with the Hugh O’Brian Youth Leadership Foundation. When Ruth Ann wasn’t serving her community, she would either be at the beach, spending time with her grandchildren, or reading a great book.  

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, C. Ronald Bilowith; a son, Michael Bilowith; and two brothers, Robert Petrella and Louis Petrella.  Ruth Ann is survived by her two children, John Bilowith and his wife Susan of Skowhegan, Maine and Kim Connelly and her husband Daniel of Skowhegan; and her five beloved grandchildren, Elizabeth Connelly, Nicholas Connelly, Jack Bilowith, Grace Bilowith, and Sophia Bilowith.  

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11 a.m., Friday, Jan. 21, at Our Lady of Guadalupe Catholic Church, 35318 Church Rd., Frankford, where friends and family may gather after 10 a.m. Interment will follow at the Delaware Veterans Memorial Cemetery in Millsboro.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorial contributions in Ruth Ann’s name to: Stockley Center Cemetery Fund, c/o Stockley Center, 26351 Patriots Way, Georgetown, DE 19947.  

Online condolences may be sent by visiting melsonfuneralservices.com.