Ruth E. Brower

Ruth Elizabeth Brower, 97, of Toms River, New Jersey, passed away peacefully in the early morning hours of March 11, 2026. She was born on August 29, 1928 to the late Arthur and Pauline Balland of Iselin, NJ. Ruth lived in New Jersey her entire lifetime (a true “Jersey girl”) and was a beloved mother, devoted wife, proud grandma and great-gram, and true friend to so many over the years. She met the love of her life Andrew Philip Brower when she was just 16, they married 3 years later in 1947, and spent 63 happy years together before he predeceased her.

Ruth enjoyed dancing with her husband, country music, cooking for friends and family, spending summer days “down the shore” and games of chance. She was a talented seamstress of both clothing and crafts, volunteered in many school and charitable activities and was a HUGE Yankees baseball fan. Ruth spent most of her life as a full-time homemaker and she did this job (though she never thought of
it as such) splendidly. Her family was always her first priority but in later years she and Andy enjoyed traveling and cruising with lifelong friends, especially to the Caribbean and Hawaii. Her faith in God sustained her throughout her life and she was a charter member of the Oak Tree Presbyterian Church in Edison, NJ.

“To live in the hearts we leave behind is not to die” (Thomas Campell) and she will be greatly missed by all who knew her. Ruth is survived by her loving children Linda Strauss (Mark) of South Bethany, DE and Robert Brower (Maryellen) of Hightstown, NJ, cherished grandchildren Samantha Cope, Spencer Strauss, Tyler Strauss, Kyle Brower, and Sarah Brower, 3 great-grandchildren, and many nieces and nephews.

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