Ruth Gallman Bowden

Ruth Gallman Bowden transitioned on Monday, August 10, 2026, in Orangeburg South Carolina. Born on October 16, 1941, in Union, South Carolina, she was the second of seven children of the late Walter J. and Alice Sartor Gallman. She was a graduate of Sims High School in the Class of 1959. While attending South Carolina State College, where she was “Miss Freshman”, she met the love of her life, John T. Bowden, Jr. who was in ROTC. Their love blossomed and after his graduation from college they united in marriage on August 10, 1960. To this loving union, three children were born: Gary, Steven and Gregory. John was commissioned into the United States Army where he served for twenty-six years, attaining the rank of Colonel. Ruth was with him everywhere he was stationed globally and domestically. They eventually made Orangeburg their home. John’s final posting was as Commander of the SC State ROTC and he was inducted into the South Carolina State Army ROTC Hall of Fame. After his retirement, John served in numerous capacities at both SC State and Voorhees Colleges during his professional career. During this period in their life’s journey, Ruth attended Orangeburg Calhoun Technical College where she earned an Associate’s Degree. She became a Legal Secretary with the law firm of Johnson, Toal & Battiste. She served in that capacity for over fifteen years. Ruth and John were active, faithful members of St. Paul Episcopal Church in Orangeburg until John completed studies at the Lutheran Theological Seminary in Columbia, SC. John became a Priest and served as a Pastor and Ruth served in the following capacities: member of the Choir, Episcopal Church Women, Altar Guild and Daughters of the King at Church of the Redeemer in Pineville, South Carolina. Ruth was always supportive of her husband’s ministry, and they worked as a team in serving the community. In her spare time, Ruth enjoyed cooking, sewing, shopping and activities associated with the Orangeburg Chapter of the Links Incorporated, where she was an Alumni member. She enjoyed activities not only with her Chapter but with all South Carolina Links Chapters. She was also committed to spending quality time with her children, grandchildren, other family and friends. In addition to her parents and husband, she was preceded in death by her son Gary Bowden and brother Freddie Gallman. She leaves to cherish precious memories her sons, Steven (Deadra) Bowden of Columbia and Gregory (Deidra) Bowden of Florence, South Carolina; Four grandchildren: Stevan (Erika) Bowden, Gary Christopher Bowden, John Bowden, III and Audrey Bowden; her siblings: Margaret (Morris) Moses of Gaithersburg, Md, Walter “Jakki” (Sharon) Gallman, Dorothy Jeanne(Thomas) Felder, Annette Jacobs all of Columbia, SC and Nancy Gallman, Portland, Oregon and her partner Phillip Barron; a brother-in-law Gary( Sandra) Bowden of Baltimore, Maryland; nieces, nephews and a host of other relatives and friends. Funeral arrangements are pending and will be announced at a later time.

Ruth Gallman Bowden

October 16, 1941 - August 10, 2026