RUTH LORRAINE ROWLEY, age 74 years of Whiteford, Maryland died at Upper Chesapeake Medical Center in Bel Air, Maryland at 10:08 p.m. on Wednesday, February 8, 2006. She was the wife of Donald J. Rowley who died in 2000.

Mrs. Rowley was born in Baltimore, Maryland on September 21, 1931, a daughter of the late Raymond R. and Carolyn V. (Hudgins) Merson. She retired in 1986 after 14 years employment at Gardenville Jewelry in Gardenville, Maryland. While living in Baltimore, Mrs. Rowley attended the Mt. Vernon United Methodist Church. She was involved with the Lioness Club for many years and also served as president. She moved to Harford County in 1987 and continued her enjoyment of bowling and bingo. Mrs. Rowley was an avid lover of music boxes and was very proud of her extensive collection. The greatest joy in her life was the opportunity to spend time with her family.

She is survived by:

One son-Donald B. Rowley and his wife Donna M. of Baltimore, Maryland

One daughter-Theresa J. Pugsley and her husband Kevin D. of Whiteford, Maryland

Nine grandchildren-

Melissa A. Moore, Jennifer L. Lebo, Christina M. Panuska, Brendan F. Cox, Sean M. Cox, Donald J. Rowley, Alison C. Pugsley, Caroline Pugsley, and Laurie A. Pugsley

Eight great grandchildren.

Two brothers-

R. Raymond Merson of Edgewood, Maryland

George T. Merson of Baltimore, Maryland

She is also survived by many loving nieces and nephews.

Funeral services will be held on Tuesday, February 14, 2006 at 11:00 a.m. at the Harkins Funeral Home, 600 Main Street, Delta, Pennsylvania.

Reverend Robin B. Johnson, pastor of Mt. Vernon United Methodist Church, Baltimore, Maryland will officiate.

Interment will be in Moreland Memorial Park Cemetery, Baltimore, Maryland

Viewing will be at the funeral home on Monday, February 13 from 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m.

Pallbearers will be: Kevin D. Pugsley, Brendan F. Cox, Sean M. Cox, Carl T. Merson, Joseph D. Lebo, David A. Panuska