Obituary of Winnifred Ruth Fowler

Winnifred Ruth Fowler, “Winnie,” passed away peacefully surrounded by family on March 1, at her home in Prospect, Maine.  

Winnie was born Nov. 18, 1936, in Robbinston, Maine, and lived there until her family moved to Portsmouth, NH when she was 15.  It was there she met the love of her life, Carl Fowler, US Navy, and they wed Sept. 24, 1955.

Carl and Winnie raised 3 children, Mark, Cindy, and Greg, whom they loved and devoted their lives to.  They all have great and fond memories of a loving family where their parents’ love and loyalty was the bedrock of their home. 

That love grew as each child married and as grandchildren came into the picture.  Each union and new life was celebrated with gusto and as the family grew, so did the devotion, support, and love.

The direction of Winnie’s life was determined by her decision to follow Christ at a Billy Graham Crusade in Houlton, Maine when she was 10 years old. 

She served the Lord faithfully throughout her life in children’s ministry, hosting and cooking dinners, teen get-togethers, greeting, and missions.  She was an active longtime member of a small group at Discover Church where she and Carl developed precious and deep friendships.  She always took prayer seriously and her family and friends could count on her to pray for them for anything.  When anyone traveled, she always told them she would “pray them there.” Winnie was actively involved in the prayer ministry at Discover Church until the last days of her life.

One of her favorite hymns, “I Love to Tell the Story,” was testament to how she shared the love of Christ and the message of salvation wherever she went.  Family and friends could count on her words of wisdom for practical and spiritual guidance.

Winnie is survived by her loving husband of 67 years, Carl Fowler, her sons Mark and his wife Laurie, and Greg and his wife Meredith, as well as son-in-law Jeff Burbine, 6 grandchildren, 8 great-children, and nieces and nephews, all of whom were their greatest joys here on earth.

Winnie is predeceased by her mother Agnes Pottle, her brother Raymond Pottle, and her precious daughter Cynthia “Cindy” Burbine. 

Winnie’s memorial service will be held Saturday, March 11, at 11:00am at Discover Church, 270 Main Rd. N., Hampden, Maine, with Jack Dowling officiating. 

A private interment will take place in late Spring.

Gifts in Winnie’s memory may be made to Discover Church Deacon’s Fund, PO Box 777, Hampden, ME, 04444, or St. Jude Children’s Hospital.