Ruth Grace Knuth

Ruth Grace Knuth, born to John Nose Sr. and Mary Nose on September 3, 1929, from Cleveland and Lyndhurst Ohio and Ithaca New York, died October 27, 2026. Pre-deceased by her parents, husband, John J. Knuth; son, Jeffrey J. Knuth; twelve siblings, Mary (Tony) Gross, Dorothy (Bernie) Bialko, Rose Nose, Christine Nose, John Nose (infant), Jean (Clyde) Gibbs, John (Marge) Nose, Bridget (Al) Pniewski, Edward Nose, Joan Nose, James Nose, and Judy (Gene) Dulaney; and many friends. Survived by daughter Barbara Knuth (Kurt Jirka); granddaughters, Caroline Jirka and Kelly (Matthew) Gingrich; great-grandsons, Hudson and Ryan Gingrich; sisters-in-law, Mana Nose and Dolores Nose; and numerous nieces and nephews whom she treasured. 

Ruth graduated from John Adams High School and attended Fenn College. Her career path included working at May Co., Woolworth, National Malleable and Steel Castings Co., Harris Siebold, Ziegler Real Estate, then multiple decades as the administrative assistant to the Headmasters and Lower School Directors at University School in Shaker Heights Ohio. There, where she spent most of her career, she was beloved by students, her staff colleagues, faculty, and the headmasters and directors she supported. Ruth was committed to serving others as a volunteer at fresh air camp, senior bus tours, Meals on Wheels, Books for the Homebound, Cleveland Playhouse, and St. Clare food pantry and bingo. She traveled widely with John throughout the US and Canada, and to China, Austria, England, Germany, France, Italy, and Switzerland. She especially loved her Florida vacations with her young granddaughters. 

After John’s death, she devoted eight years as the main caregiver for her two ailing sisters, one younger and one older. After more than eight decades living in Northeast Ohio, she moved to Ithaca, New York to be close to her daughter and to live at Longview senior living community where she continued her volunteerism, serving as wing representative, staffing the store, and leading the weekly Rosary group. Ruth loved her years at Longview and was grateful for her friends there, both in Independent Living and the Garden Level Enhanced Assisted Living. Her family especially appreciates the care she received from Dr. Carol Berlin, staff at Cayuga Medical Center, and staff at Cayuga Nursing and Rehabilitation Center. 

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on November 20, 10:30 am, at Immaculate Conception Church in Ithaca. 

May the Lord wrap His loving arms around her and grant her eternal rest.