A funeral service for Ruth E. Sowards, 75 of Newark will be held Monday July 9, 2007 at 11:00 a.m. in the Newark Chapel of Vensil-Orr & Chute Funeral Home with Pastor Jeff Smith officiating. Burial will be in Zanesville Memorial Park. Mrs. Sowards never met a stranger and enjoyed crocheting. She died Thursday July 5, 2007 at Licking Memorial Hospital. She was born December 5, 1931 in Zanesville, Ohio to the late Victor E. and Anna Mildred (McMahn) Paynter. She is survived by her children, Eugene Sowards, Jr., George (Claire) Sowards of Titusville, FL., Debbie Denbow of Louisville, KY., Linda Aurigema of Palm Bay, FL., Judith Brock and Barney Woodyard of Newark; brother Edward Ambrose of W. VA.; half-brother, Jerome Clifford of Zanesville; half-sister, Judy Ann King of Adamsville; grandchildren, Buddy Edward Brock, Steven Brady Brock, Jeffrey Allen Brock, Shyla Dawn Rose, Bobbie Jo Huff, Allen Eugene Huff; great grandchildren, Cloey Olivia Brock, Laney Renee Brock and Riley Miranda Rose. Preceded in death by her husband Eugene Sowards,Sr. on May 26, 1985. Calling hours will be observed Sunday 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 p.m. at the funeral home, 1850 West Main Street, Newark.