Ruth Knaus

The heavens gained another shining star on November 20, 2024 when Ruth Knaus, surrounded by loving family and friends, went to be with her beloved Hank. She was a selfless angel on earth who died as she lived with dignity and grace. Colon cancer took her body, but not her fighting spirit.

Ruth was born February 10, 1939, the youngest daughter of Paul and Sara Florence Schlingman. She graduated from Hurst High School in 1957 and married her high school sweetheart and love of her life, Hank Knaus, later that year. They moved to Germany with the Army, where her love for travel and adventure was born. In their 64 years of marriage, they travelled the world, fueled by her love of history and new experiences.

Ruth’s work life revolved around children, teaching Sunday School, bringing music to young students as a Philharmonic docent, and as a secretary at Edinboro Elementary School for many years. She also enjoyed her time as an usher at Erie Philharmonic performances. 

Her love of animals was legendary, whether rescuing a wounded bird or stray kitten, she had an uncanny way of relating to all creatures, great and small. 

Upon retirement, Ruth worked at Scotland Yards Greenhouse, where her passion for flowers and gardening was shared with customers, helping them pick the perfect plants. She loved every season, making flower arrangements and crafts for all to enjoy, and decorating inside and out to make every holiday a memorable one. 

Ruth loved God and was a faithful servant at Edinboro United Methodist Church. Her greatest joy was being a wife and mother, always there when we needed her most to offer unconditional love, wisdom and support. She lived her life with joy, curiosity and delight in every moment. She made friends everywhere she went, leaving a legacy of strength and kindness, smiles and hugs, making everyone feel special.

Ruth was preceded in death by her loving husband Henry “Hank” Knaus in 2021; and her 4 sisters, Jean Rowe, Jane Thomas, Patricia Laposky and Lois Weyandt.

Survivors include two daughters, Kerri (Dennis) Taylor, of Fairview, Kelly (Robert) Klamut, of New Wilmington; a son, Kevin (Misty) Knaus, of Edinboro; 5 grandchildren, Ryan Taylor and Rachel (Matt) Taccard, Sharon (Matt) Evans, Patrick (Trista) Knaus, and Stephannie Klamut; also 7 great-grandchildren, Matthew, Tommy, Raelyn and David Evans and Archer, Delila and Esjay Knaus; a sister-in-law, Mary Margaret (John) Drylie; and her beloved pets, Gracie and Sammy.

Ruth’s family would like to extend their deepest appreciation to all of the doctors, nurses and aides at UPMC Hamot and Hillman Cancer Center. Their love and support was a true blessing during a most difficult time.

Friends may call at Edinboro Methodist Church, 113 High St., Edinboro, PA on Monday, November 25, 2024 from 11 am to 1 pm. A funeral service will follow at 1 pm. The Glunt Funeral Home and Crematory, Inc., Edinboro, is entrusted with funeral arrangements.

Burial will be in Edinboro Cemetery. Memorials may be made to the ANNA Shelter, 1555 E 10th St., Erie, Pa 16511, Edinboro United Methodist Church, 113 High St., Edinboro, PA 16412, or to the Hillman Cancer Center (hillman.upmc.com). To send condolences please visit www.gluntfuneralhome.com.