The FUNERAL SERVICE for Mrs. Knight will be held at
Hill and Son Funeral Home in Appleton City, Missouri on
Tuesday, October 14, 2014 at 2:00 p.m.

The MINISTER will be Pastor Alan Black.

INTERMENT will be in Westfield Cemetery,
rural Appleton City, Missouri.

The family suggests MEMORIAL gifts be made to
Ohio Christian Church or Westfield Cemetery.

Ruthella (Clayton) Knight was born December 17, 1917, a mile southwest of Ohio Post Office, Missouri. She was the third daughter and ultimately the middle child born into the family of Troy and Mabel Malvina (Warner) Clayton. Except for one year working in Kansas City and the past five years in assisted care, Ruthella lived her entire life within two miles of Ohio. She attended the first eight years of schooling at Ohio and went to high school in Appleton City and Lowry City, graduating with the class of 1935 at Lowry City. September 11, 1937, Ruthella was united in marriage to William Forrest Knight at the home of Reverend Carpenter in Calhoun, Missouri. Two sons were born to this union and they were Jay Olen (March 3, 1940) and Kenneth Leon (January 3, 1942).

Ruthella spent her years as a farm wife, mother and friend in the Ohio community. She cared for the home as well as the extended family and in-laws. She was able to enjoy a close life with her family as the boys began farming, marrying and having children within a mile each side of her and Forrest's home. She cultivated good relationships with her daughters-in-law, Sheila and Mary Ann, and provided unique and lasting memories for her seven grandchildren. Christmas was shared in Ruthella's home with the family until after Forrest's death, and July 4th was open to neighbors and friends for many years.

Ruthella also spent countless hours on projects for family and friends. She was a member of the Ohio Ladies Aid, working with the other ladies making quilts. She knitted, crocheted and quilted many items just to do it to share with someone. Her friends' special interests, such as flowers or dolls, became her own as she committed to mastering nuances of each new endeavor.

Ruthella also developed a deep interest and knowledge of family history and furthered family relationships that would have just faded away. The hours of work and research also provided future generations with a valuable and priceless tie to their ancestors.

Ruthella's special gift of contentment shone through in each of the daily tasks as well as the joys and sorrows over the years. Even after transitioning to assisted living, she thrived and enriched the lives of many others. Time and ailments caught up to Ruthellla Friday evening October 10, 2014 at the age of 96 years 9 months and 23 days. Her joy and contentment is complete now in the presence of her Lord.

Preceding Ruthella in death were her parents; siblings Martha Regania McConnell, Edna Josephine Clayton and Clarence William "Bill" Clayton; her husband Forrest and daughter-in-law Mary Ann (Bartz) Knight.

Survivors include: two sons, Jay Knight (Sheila) and Kenneth Knight. grandchildren: Ladonna Green (Matt), Cameron Knight (Angela), Brian Knight (Penny), Melinda Rogers (Shawn), David Knight (Cindy), Jim Knight (Barbara) and Keith Knight (Kristin); great-grandchildren: Rachel Green, Clinton Green, Allyson Knight, Garret Knight, Anthony Knight, Scott Campbell (Laura), Lauren Rogers, Andrew Rogers, Elaine Coultas (Jack), Elizabeth Bauer (Joe), Olen Knight (Rebekah), Calvin Knight, Matt Knight (Kelsey) and Ashley Knight; great-great-grandchildren: David Landyn Coultas, Alexis Michelle Coultas, Skylar Jean Coultas, Katie Campbell, Collin Campbell and Kenzie Campbell; one sister Mary Elizabeth Hinton; one brother-in-law John Parsons; one sister-in-law Lucille Clayton as well as cousins, nieces, nephews and friends.