Obituary: Ruthie Knowles
Author: Brian Knowles
Ruthie Knowles
Brian Knowles
In Loving Memory of Ruthie Sharon Knowles
November 1, 1954 – March 12, 2026
Ruthie Sharon Knowles, a beloved mother, grandmother, sister, and friend, passed away peacefully on March 12, 2026, leaving behind a legacy of warmth, laughter, and unwavering love.
While we were not ready to say goodbye, we find comfort in knowing that Ruthie has been joyfully reunited in Heaven with her parents, Arthur and Joann Tillotson, her brother, Michael Tillotson, and her beloved daughter, Anna Knowles.
Born on November 1, 1954, in Libby, Montana, Ruthie was the daughter of the late Arthur and Joann Tillotson. Growing up in the beauty of Montana, she developed a spirit that was as resilient as it was kind—a spirit she carried with her throughout her entire life.
Ruthie’s greatest joy was her family. She was a devoted mother to her son, Brian Knowles, and a cherished mother-in-law to Chantel Knowles, whom she loved like her own daughter. To her grandchildren, Brooklynn, Trevor, and Madison Knowles. She was a constant source of affection and magic. She took immense pride in their every milestone, and her influence will live on in them forever.
Beyond her devotion to her family, Ruthie was a cornerstone of her community. Finding immense fulfillment in her work with the Townsend Senior Citizens Center. Ruthie had a true servant’s heart, dedicating countless hours volunteering and ensuring that her neighbors and friends felt seen, supported, and cared for.
Ruthie’s deep passion for her lifelong love of flowers served as a beautiful reflection of her own bright spirit. She channeled this joy into her community for many years while working at Rocky Mountain Supply, where she took great pride in assisting others with their own flowers and gardens.
This same creativity flowed into her crafting and her kitchen, where she was a passionate baker known for sharing her treats with everyone she loved. Whether she was nurturing a delicate petal, working on a new craft project, or perfecting a recipe, Ruthie’s life was defined by the way she helped things- and people – grow.
She is also survived by her siblings, who shared in her life’s journey from the beginning: Betty Riley, Carol Anderson, Linn, Chuck, and Hannah Tillotson and many nieces and nephews. Together, they built a foundation of family bonds that remained the foundation of Ruthie’s world.
Those who knew Ruthie will remember her for her generous heart and her ability to make everyone feel at home. She had a way of offering comfort and wisdom exactly when it was needed most. While we were not ready to say goodbye, we find peace in knowing her love remains an indelible part of our lives.
To honor Ruthie’s legacy of service and her deep connection to her community, the family requests that in lieu of flowers, memorial donations be made in her name to the Townsend Senior Citizens Center. These contributions will help continue the vital work and fellowship that Ruthie so passionately supported during her years as a volunteer, ensuring her spirit of giving lies on in the town she loved.
Visitation will be held at Anderson Stevenson Wilke and Retz Funeral Home in Townsend, MT, on Thursday, March 19, 2026, from 2-5 pm.
Funeral Service will be held at the Trailhead Christian Church on Monday at 11 am, followed by lunch (she would not want you to leave without a meal and stories), March 23, 2026, and a graveside memorial located at Deep Creek Cemetery at 2:00 pm.
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PhotoCredit: Brian Knowles
Image 1 Caption: Ruthie Knowles
Photo Provided by Brian Knowles
