Ruth "Knowles" Scholz

Ruth Knowles Scholz died Sunday, July 13, 2025, leaving behind a loving and remarkable family to celebrate a life well lived. Her parents, Earl and Bea (Moody) Knowles, challenged her to leave the world better than she found it, and Ruth did just that.

She was born on January 24, 1927, in the small town of Weyauwega, Wisconsin, where life was idyllic and children roamed freely, their biggest concern being the next fun thing to do. At 17, during World War II, Ruth became a "government girl" in Washington, D.C., working in the fingerprint department of the FBI. In just one year, she earned enough to pay for four years of college. She kept her promise to her parents and returned home to earn her degree from the Stout Institute.

In 1949, Ruth became the Door County University Extension home agent, her dream job working with Homemakers and 4-H clubs. In 1951, she met Sevastopol's new agriculture teacher, Carl Scholz. They were married on May 31, 1952, in the Presbyterian Church in Weyauwega and were blessed with four children: Marsha (Dana) Lindh, Jane (David) Raben, Jon (Joan) Scholz, and Carla Scholz.

In 1965, the Scholz family joined with three others to start The Farm, a place Ruth never imagined she would find herself milking goats, bottle feeding piglets, or cleaning barns. But she embraced it all. Eventually co-owned by the Scholz and Schopf families, The Farm became a beloved destination for thousands of visitors. Carl and Ruth later became the sole owners, and after 37 meaningful years, they sold it.

Ruth was a lifelong leader, frequent speaker, and dedicated volunteer. She was passionate about amplifying women's stories and often portrayed overlooked women from history. Her favorite was Mrs. Increase Claflin, the first white woman in Door County. She brought Claflin to life many times, captivating audiences with humor, insight, and a sense of purpose.

As a charter member, Ruth served the Miller Art Museum for over 40 years as a dedicated board member and longtime chair of the museum volunteers.

She served as Sunday School superintendent for Bay View Lutheran Church and was a steadfast supporter of Carl's environmental and educational efforts, always ready with coffee or cocoa and schnapps after nature hikes.

A passionate writer and activist, Ruth was proud to have her opinions published in Time magazine three times-first at age 91 and twice more at 93.

She and Carl traveled the world with close friends, including Norma and Wally Hamerburg. Ruth and Norma met in college and remained close for over 80 years, speaking regularly until Norma's recent passing. Ruth also cherished family vacations at Sunrise Lodge in Land O' Lakes, Wisconsin. In recent years, she wrote humorous and heartfelt memoirs for her grandchildren, often ending with encouragement to leave the world a better place.

Her ten grandchildren-Jon (Sarah), Andy (Brittany), and Allison (Alfonso) Lindh; Anna and Molly Raben; Dustin (Kaitlyn) Scholz; Erica (Eric) Abrahamson; Emily (Scott) Walker; and Philip (Hannah) and Emma Mueller-all carry treasured memories. "Lucky Gram" as they called her, delighted in getting to know her 17 great-grandchildren and often said her best job in life was being a wife, Mom, Grandma, and Great Grandma.

Ruth and Carl were blessed with nearly 70 years together, filled with love, travel, good health, and shared purpose. Who could ask for more?

In addition to her husband Carl, she was preceded in death by her parents; sisters Jane Averill and Phyllis Ahlquist; her in-laws, Philip and Hattie Scholz; and sister-in-law, Harriet Scholz Kapp.

We are so grateful for the staff at Anna's (now Bay View) for the kindness and care. Thank you too the for the professional and compassionate care from the staff at Unity.

Please join Ruth's family to celebrate her life at Bay View Lutheran Church on August 2nd at 2:00 PM.

We'd love it if you made a donation to the Miller Art Museum (https://secure.givelively.org/donate/miller-art-center-foundation-inc) or Unity Hospice (https://unityhospice.org/donate) rather than giving flowers or planting trees.

Expressions of sympathy, memories, and photos of Ruth may be shared with her family through her tribute page at www.huehnsfuneralhome.com.