Ruth Ann Kneisel, 75 of Robinson, passed away peacefully surrounded by family, Monday afternoon August 22, 2016 at Maple Heights Care Center where she had been a short term resident.

Ruth was born in Robinson Kansas July 19, 1941, one of four children born to Roy M. and Luverne Glenn. Ruth was raised on the family farm, attended elementary school in a single room schoolhouse near the family home and graduated from Robinson High School in 1959.  

She married Thomas E. Rolfe in August of 1959 in Robinson.  They resided in Robinson, Mayetta, Topeka and settled on a small farm outside of Hoyt. There they raised two children, were active in the surrounding community, enjoyed the company of friends and neighbors and the labors of life on the farm.  They separated and divorced in 1975. Ruth later remarried to the late Richard Kneisel in 1983, divorcing in 1991 and spent many of her remaining years with friend and companion Carroll Huss.

Ruth worked at Garment Factory in Holton and Chiropractic Office in Topeka prior to returning to Robinson to be closer to her family. She worked as a production foreman at Flair-Fold Industries in Hiawatha, and later accepted a position with the Kansas Department of Transportation where she worked as a Motor Carrier Inspector until her retirement in 1983.

Although small in stature she was known for her large personality, exclaiming that her height stood at 5 foot and ½ inch. Ruth was a “spitfire” quickly letting others know how she felt about matters, but also possessed a kind and caring nature that led her to assist and care for others that were in need and less fortunate.  

She found happiness in attending a variety of country music shows with her sister Madeline and various shopping outings with her daughter, sisters and numerous nieces.  She enjoyed the simple pleasure of spending time with her sisters, children, grandchildren and great grandchildren.  She was a fabulous cook and took silent pride in preparing, packaging and sending homemade treats to our troops overseas for over twenty years.

Survivors include her children: Melanie Mears and husband Dennis, Anthony Rolfe and wife Andi of Robinson, five grandchildren and three great grandchildren and friend Carroll Huss. Also surviving is a sister Reta Taylor and husband David, also of Robinson.  Ruth was preceded in death by her parents, and sisters Madeline and Katherine.

A Celebration of Ruth’s life is planned for 1:00 p.m. Friday, August 26 at the Robinson United Methodist Church. Pastor Paul Waters will officiate; interment will follow at Rose Hill Cemetery, Robinson, KS.  

Friends may call at the funeral home after 10 a.m. Thursday.  Family and friends are encouraged to attend a remembrance of life that will be held August 25th from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. at Chapel Oaks Funeral Home in Hiawatha

Memorial contributions are suggested to the Rose Hill Cemetery which may be sent in care of the funeral home, 124 S 7th St., Hiawatha 66434.

A special message or remembrance may be sent to the family at www.chapeloaksfuneralhome.com