Dateline: Windsor, NC

Ruth Jane Earp (Jane), age 92, of Windsor, NC, passed away peacefully in her home on August 19, 2026.

Jane was born in Raleigh, NC, at Rex Hospital to William "Bill" Earp and Florine Stephenson. She was preceded in death by all three of her children: Donna Bowen (1955–2001), Debbie Cochran (1957–2022), and Steve Bowen (1966–2024).

From an early age, Jane was active, spirited, and always on the move. In her younger years, she loved playing softball and later took up tennis. Sports remained an important part of her life, and she continued being active even after becoming a mother.

At the age of 19, Jane married Howard Wheeler Bowen and moved to Windsor, NC. She embraced life in Windsor and somehow managed to juggle being a wife, a mother, caring for a handicapped daughter, and still making time for the sports she loved. Jane was never one to sit still for long.

As the years passed, Wheeler's love of hunting became impossible to ignore, and Jane eventually found herself drawn into hunting as well. Through hunting, she met many wonderful people and made memories along the way, including her badass companion George Rudolph "Dude" Floyd. She became such an avid hunter that even breaking her leg in multiple spots couldn't stop her. Carrying on that hunting legacy with Frank Taylor continued those amazing memories.

Jane is survived by her grandchildren, Selene Cochran and fiancé David Stephens, Micah Bowen, Noah Bowen, Lauren Bowen, and Leah Bowen; and her daughter-in-law, Anita Bowen.

She will be remembered as an active, strong-willed woman who lived life in her own way and kept moving forward through the many changes and challenges life brought her.

Some of the Quotes Jane Lived By

Jane had a way of looking at life that was simple, funny, and sometimes a little cheeky. Here are a few of the words she lived by—and maybe some worth carrying with you:

"Smiles are free; share them."

"Be proud of your age."

"Always make your past self jealous."

"Be with people who make you laugh."

"Of all the things I've lost, I miss my mind the most."

"Share a sunset."

"Call, don't text."

"Teach your grandma to take a selfie."

Maybe the best way to remember Jane is to take a little bit of her advice with you: smile, laugh, enjoy the sunset, and be proud of the years you've been given.

Family will receive friends on Sunday, September 13, 2026 from 4:00 PM - 5:30 PM.

Online condolences may be directed to: www.walkerfh.net

Walker Funeral Home of Windsor is honored to serve the Bowen Family.