Ruth E. (Wilson) Knowlton

Ruth E. (Wilson) Knowlton, 87, passed away on Sunday, June 14, 2026, at Memorial Hospital in South Bend, Indiana.

Ruth was born on April 29, 1939, in Paoli, Indiana to the late Farrell and Naomi (Wells) Wilson.

She spent most of her life in the South Bend area, graduating from Walkerton High School in 1957.

On October 2, 1959, she married her high school sweetheart, Donald, and the two shared 65 years together before his passing in 2025. Ruth and Don raised 4 children, built and remodeled homes, and farmed for several years.

Ruth was a long-time member of Community Baptist Church and served the Lord there for many years – teaching Sunday School, leading at Awana, and caring for children in the nursery.

Ruth spent most of her career at Teachers Credit Union in Walkerton, where she rose from a teller to TCU’s first female branch manager.

In retirement, Ruth and Don bought and sold antiques and filled their home with treasures of history and art. They also filled their empty nest with four beloved Yorkshire terriers – Napoleon, Josephine, Jasper, and Tinkerbell.

Ruth was a beloved friend and confidant to many. She was generous with her things, her time, her advice, and her listening ear. Ruth loved her family unconditionally and without end.

Ruth is survived by her sons, Damon (Kim) Knowlton and Todd Knowlton; daughter, Jacolyn Knowlton; and daughter-in-law, Joanne Knowlton. She is also survived by 10 grandchildren, Lauren, Harrison, Meredith, Quincy, Timothy, Katherine, Landen, Mikael, Daria, and Kelsea; and 11 beloved great-grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Donald, her son, Philip, and her parents.

Visitation will be held from 11am-1pm on Thursday June 18, 2026, at the Palmer Funeral Home-Guisinger Chapel, 3718 S. Michigan St. South Bend. A funeral service will begin at 1pm and burial will follow at Woodlawn Cemetery in Walkerton.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Community Baptist Church 5715 Miami St., South Bend, IN 46614

Palmer Funeral Home-Guisinger Chapel is assisting the family with arrangements. 

Online condolences may be sent via the Palmer Funeral Homes website at www.palmerfuneralhomes.com

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