January 30, 2008
Miss Ruth Ellen Blews, retired missionary to India, entered into the presence of the Lord on January 28, 2008, in Astoria, Oregon. She was 91.
Ruth was born in New Castle, Pennsylvania, on May 29, 1916, and graduated from New Castle High School in 1935. She attended God’s Bible School & College in Cincinnati, Ohio, for two years and completed her training at the Nyack Missionary College in Nyack, New York, in 1941. After graduation she was involved in child evangelism, vacation Bible school, Sunday school, and youth groups. She left for India in December 1946.
Although India was not her preferred path, Ruth left the choice in God’s hands and followed in faith and obedience. After completing Gujarati language study, Ruth managed a co-educational, primary boarding school in Kholka. Much of her ministry had been that of a pioneer in establishing the Alliance publishing agency, translating and publishing Christian literature into Gujarati, and opening a Christian bookstore. Ruth also was involved in various ministries such as Sunday school programs, Bible classes, magazine contributions, women’s Bible classes, and rallies for women and girls. These were just a few of the ways her work has led so many to the Lord.
Ruth is survived by one brother, Aaron, and two sisters, Marjorie and Carol, and many nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by her brother, Paul.
Ruth will be flown to Pennsylvania and funeral services will be held at the First Alliance Church in New Castle, where she has kept her original church membership, on Saturday, February 2, 2008, at 4:00 p.m. The Rev. Thomas E. Barnts will officiate. Memorial gifts can be sent to the First Alliance Church, 111 Mission Meade Dr., New Castle, PA 16105-1603.