Ruth Knowler Obituary - Visitation & Funeral Information

Ruth L. Knowler, 81, of Delta, died Monday, October 10, 2016, at the Keokuk County Health Center in Sigourney. She was born Tuesday, November 13, 1934, in Tioga neighborhood of Mahaska County, Iowa, the daughter of James and Elma Carr Nanke. Ruth graduated from What Cheer High School with the Class of 1952. On January 31, 1953, Ruth was united in marriage to Marvin E. Knowler in Oskaloosa. Marvin died September 5, 2003. Following marriage, Ruth helped Marvin work on the farm. She also worked at Kingsberry Homes and Brandywine Homes. Lastly, Ruth worked at Pella Corp. and retired from there in 1994. She enjoyed fishing, camping, gardening, being outdoors and most of all being with her family, especially her grandchildren. Ruth was an avid Iowa Hawkeye fan. Ruth is survived by her daughter: Marvanne (& Karl) Matzen of Delta; two grandchildren: Michael (& Abbey) Matzen and Erika (& Shane) Burgher; 7 great grandchildren: Dylon (& Felonie) Matzen, Lena (& Quinton) Hiatt, Emily Matzen, Lane Williams, Jerykah Williams, Shaelyn Burgher and Maya Matzen; a great great granddaughter: Drew Matzen; two sisters: Shirley Lester of Aledo, Illinois and Diana (& Walter) Alderson of Apache Junction, Arizona; and four sisters-in-law: Linda (& Lawrence) Robertson of Delta, Ione Carl and Edith (& Ed) Bridges both of Oskaloosa and Evelyn Knowler of Ankeny. She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband; and two brothers: Donovan and Louis Nanke. Funeral services will be held Friday, October 14, 2016 at 10 A.M. in the Bates Funeral Chapel in Oskaloosa with Pastor Alvern Boetsma officiating. Burial will be in Garrett Cemetery near Delta. Visitation will be held Thursday after 12 noon in the Bates Funeral Chapel in Oskaloosa and the family will be present at the funeral chapel Thursday from 5 – 7 P.M. to greet friends and relatives. Memorials may be made to Keokuk County Hospice Auxiliary, Delta Fire Department or What Cheer Fire Department.

Ruth Knowler

November 13, 1934 - October 10, 2016