Ruth J. Edwards died May 1, 2026 at the age of 86.  Born January 9, 1940 in Carroll County, Maryland, she was the daughter of the late Weldon and Ruth Bowers, Sr.  She was the wife of the late Martin Rickell, Sr. and the late Robert Edwards. 

She was also predeceased by brothers Weldon Bowers, Jr., Tim Bowers, Preston Bowers, Mary Jane Long and husband Ron Long, a niece Monica Long and stepson Gary Edwards.

She graduated from Westminster High School in 1958.  She worked as a waitress, a seamstress and at Harry’s Sub Shop.  She enjoyed sewing, crafting, drawing and spending time with her family.  She crocheted for hospitals, veteran’s hospitals and nursing homes.  She was a member of American Legion Post No. 45 and Moose Lodge No. 897, and taught Sunday school for 8 years.

Surviving is her daughter Darlene Bowers and husband Jay of Chambersburg, PA; a son Martin Rickell, Jr. and wife Michelle of Gettysburg, PA; grandchildren Jessica Harrison and husband Nick, Melissa Langford and husband Daniel, Nicole Gulden and husband Zach and Christopher Rickell and wife Alexis, great-grandchildren Hope, Faith, Grace, Ben, Thea, Jackson and Brooklyn.  She is also survived by step-children Dana Edwards and wife Karen and Robin Bowman and husband Gary, step-grandchildren Adam and Erica and several step-great-grandchildren, brothers John, Carroll, Gene, Robert and wife Laura, sister Linda Nelson, and numerous nieces and nephews.

 Services will be announced at a later date.  Private interment will be held at Greenmount Cemetery in Hampstead, MD. 

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in her name to Stone Chapel Church, 1448 Stone Chapel Rd., Westminster, MD or the Humane Society of your choice.