Ruby V. Knodel, 92, of Auburn, WA, died peacefully at her home on February 23, 2021.
Ruby Viola Knodel was born on July 15, 1928 to Jacob and Lydia (Biech) Alexander. She was raised and educated in Hurdsfield and graduated from Hurdsfield High School.
On October 23, 1948 she married the love of her life, Alvin Knodel. For a number of years, they lived in Brinsmade, ND and Pettibone, ND where Al served as a railroad agent. In 1969 they moved to Auburn, WA where he continued to work on the railroad.
Besides being busy raising five children, Ruby was active in church and the homemakers club; enjoying sewing, many arts and crafts, and canning produce from the large garden she and Al loved planting every year. They traveled many places together, especially in their RV taking many trips to the Pacific Ocean and North Dakota.
Ruby saw the beauty in absolutely everything and everyone. No matter the day, she saw the beauty in the sunrise and sunset, the clouds and the blue skies, the ocean, the mountains, a walk in the pasture, rocks, petrified wood, and especially her flowers. She taught us to love with all your heart, forgive first, always be kind, act now (quit talking about it and just do it), and always be proud to be an American. Always dressed in style and the perfect pair of shoes, you would often find a camera in her hand capturing so many memories. Shopping was one of her favorite activities, never passing up a good deal, and always getting enough to share and send out care packages. Spending time with her family and friends was her greatest enjoyment and was always grateful for the time spent with everyone.
As she would always say, “Thank you Jesus!”
Ruby will be deeply missed by her children, Marcia “Marcy” Marquardt of Pettibone, ND, Ross (Terry) Knodel of Bothell, WA, Randall “Randy” (Angie) Knodel of Tacoma, WA, Mark (Kim) Knodel of Auburn, WA, and Connie (Keith) Landry of Bothell, WA; 14 grandchildren; 13 great-grandchildren; and 2 great great grandchildren.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Al; her parents; her stepfather, Herman Heller; brothers and sisters; infant daughter, Gail Knodel; son-in-law, Greg Marquardt; infant granddaughter, Brenda Marquardt; and great great grandson, Rowdy Graner.
A Memorial Service celebrating Ruby’s life and interment next to her husband, Al, at the Chaseley Cemetery in Chaseley, ND will be held at a later date