Ruth Ann Knapp, 85, of Danville, died Tuesday, November 22, 2022, at the Klein Center in West Burlington.
Born October 22, 1937, in Burlington, she was the daughter of Thomas and Miriam Stevens Stout. On December 22, 1957, she married Leonard Calvin Knapp in Burlington. He died on August 3, 2008.
She graduated from Burlington High School and later received a degree in teaching.
As a young girl, Ruth's dream was to have a horse. She worked and saved her money to buy her first horse as a teenager. Together, Ruth and Leonard owned and raised many horses and they enjoyed watching them shown all over the state. They were also active members of all the local saddle clubs where they had many horsey friends. Ruth was also an accomplished seamstress and created many show outfits for people all over the state. In retirement, she made hundreds of quilts for all of her loved ones. She entered her quilts in local shows and won awards for her beautiful work.
When her children were young, Ruth was involved in many family projects and kept the family animals cared for. She was also an avid reader. Ruth initially worked as a teacher, then as a bookkeeper and tax preparer into her eighties. She loved working and enjoyed seeing her clients every year.
Ruth loved Christmas. She started Christmas shopping in July to be able to buy every family member a special gift. Ruth enjoyed her grandchildren and was so proud of their accomplishments. She was blessed to have great-grandchildren. She was a kind and caring person that had many friends. Ruth always gave more to others than she asked in return.
Her family included two brothers, Howard Stout, Paul Stout; two daughters, Cynthia Kelley, Gayle (Joe) Holtkamp; three sons, Scott Knapp, John Knapp, Gary Knapp; granddaughter, Jessica (Josh) Mickey; two nieces, Paula (Tom) Morgan, Keli Morgan; as well as 8 other grandchildren; and 6 great-grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her son Scott Knapp, and brother Paul Stout.
Family will receive friends from 10 to 11 a.m. on Monday, November 28, 2022, at Prugh Funeral Service, 3940 Division St., Burlington.
The memorial service for Ruth Ann will be 11 a.m. Monday, November 28, at Prugh Funeral Service, with Reverend Tamara Wirt officiating. Burial will be in Long Creek Cemetery, rural Danville.