Ruth Bywater

Ruth Vanderveen Bywater, 81, died Friday evening January 21, 2022, after a time of declining health.

She was born in Pittsburgh January 2, 1941; grew up in Black Ash and graduated from Cochranton High School in 1959.

In her early years she worked as a secretary and then moved to Italy, running a small store in the town of Cittanova for a decade while she was married to Guido Colella. Returning from Italy, she was employed by Meadville Medical Center in the financial office of Outpatient Mental Health. She also attended classes at Allegheny College which were an important addition to her enjoyment of life.

She married Bill (William) Bywater on August 13, 1983 in Ford Chapel at Allegheny College. During the 1990's Ruth ran a business buying and selling American art pottery. She was widely known among collectors and dealers as she attended many sales and conventions dedicated to this art. She was an avid reader. In her later years she devoured works of contemporary fiction by authors A. J. Jance, J.D. Robb, Donna Leone, Tony Hillerman and many others.

In addition to her husband Bill (William) Bywater, Ruth is survived by her son Antonino Colella, step-sons Patrick Bywater, and Duncan Bywater and daughter in law Ann Bomberger; her grandchildren Francesca Colella, Dante Colella and Maya Bywater, all of whom her heart was big enough to dearly love. She is also survived by brothers Don Vanderveen and Bill Dimond, and sisters Rosanne Smith and Jake Harden and ex-husband Guido Colella plus numerous nieces and nephews.

Family and friends are invited to call from 6-7:30 PM on Saturday, January 29, 2022, at STEPHEN P. MIZNER FUNERAL HOME & CREMATION SERVICES, INC., 404 CHESTNUT ST., MEADVILLE, where Funeral Services will follow at 7:30 PM with Pastor Sam Marchetta officiating.

Ruth will be laid to rest in Saegertown Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in Ruth's memory to Humane Society of Crawford County, 11012 Kennedy Hill Road, Meadville, PA 16335.

Share a memory or condolence at www.miznerfuneralhome.com