Ruth Kneisel 1941-2016
Ruth Ann Kneisel, 75, of Robinson, passed away peacefully surrounded by family on Monday afternoon, Aug. 22, 2016, at Maple Heights Care Center, where she had been a short-term resident.
Ruth was born in Robinson on July 19, 1941, one of four children born to Roy M. and Luverne Glenn. Ruth was raised on the family farm, attended elementary school in a single room schoolhouse near the family home and graduated from Robinson High School in 1959.
She married Thomas E. Rolfe in August of 1959 in Robinson. They resided in Robinson, Mayetta, Topeka and settled on a small farm outside of Hoyt. There they raised two children, were active in the surrounding community, enjoyed the company of friends and neighbors and the labors of life on the farm. They separated and divorced in 1975. Ruth later remarried to the late Richard Kneisel in 1983, divorcing in 1991, and spent many of her remaining years with friend and companion Carroll Huss.
Ruth worked at Garment Factory in Holton and Chiropractic Office in Topeka prior to returning to Robinson to be closer to her family. She worked as a production foreman at Flair-Fold Industries in Hiawatha, and later accepted a position with the Kansas Department of Transportation, where she worked as a Motor Carrier Inspector until her retirement in 1983.
Although small in stature she was known for her large personality, exclaiming that her height stood at 5 feet and ½ inch. Ruth was a “spitfire,” quickly letting others know how she felt about matters, but also possessed a kind and caring nature that led her to assist and care for others that were in need and less fortunate.
She found happiness in attending a variety of country music shows with her sister Madeline and various shopping outings with her daughter, sisters and numerous nieces. She enjoyed the simple pleasure of spending time with her sisters, children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. She was a fabulous cook and took silent pride in preparing, packaging and sending homemade treats to our troops overseas for more than 20 years.
Survivors include her children, Melanie Mears and husband Dennis and Anthony Rolfe and wife Andi of Robinson; five grandchildren; three great-grandchildren; and friend Carroll Huss. Also surviving is a sister, Reta Taylor and husband David, also of Robinson. Ruth was preceded in death by her parents and sisters Madeline and Katherine.
A celebration of Ruth’s life was held Friday, Aug. 26 at Robinson United Methodist Church, with Pastor Paul Waters officiating. Interment followed in Rose Hill Cemetery, Robinson.
Memorial contributions may be made to Rose Hill Cemetery, sent in care of Chapel Oaks Funeral Home, 124 S. Seventh St., Hiawatha, KS 66434. A special message or remembrance may be sent to the family at www.chapeloaksfuneralhome.com
(PAID OBITUARY)
