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.
Service Schedule
Visitation
2:00pm to 5:00pm
Thursday March 19, 2026
Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home
212 Broadway Street
Townsend, Montana 59644
Celebration of Her Life
11am
Monday March 23, 2026
Trailhead Christian Fellowship Church
20 Trailhead View Drive
Townsend, Montana 59644
Reception
Following the Funeral Service
Monday March 23, 2026
Trailhead Christian Fellowship Church
20 Trailhead View Drive
Townsend, Montana 59644
Graveside Service
Following the Reception
Monday March 23, 2026
Deep Creek Cemetery
50 Deep Creek Road
Townsend, Montana 59644
Service Schedule
Visitation
2:00pm to 5:00pm
Thursday March 19, 2026
Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home
212 Broadway Street
Townsend, Montana 59644
Celebration of Her Life
11am
Monday March 23, 2026
Trailhead Christian Fellowship Church
20 Trailhead View Drive
Townsend, Montana 59644
Reception
Following the Funeral Service
Monday March 23, 2026
Trailhead Christian Fellowship Church
20 Trailhead View Drive
Townsend, Montana 59644
Graveside Service
Following the Reception
Monday March 23, 2026
Deep Creek Cemetery
50 Deep Creek Road
Townsend, Montana 59644
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Audrey Plymale says
I am so sorry to read about this. You are in my thoughts and prayers.
Kelly McArdle Klepzig says
Brian and Family,
So very sorry for your loss. Ruthie was always such a bright smiling face and she was so kind to me when I was young and on my own for the first time. She definitely brightened the lives of many. Sincerest condolences.
Kelly McArdle Klepzig
LeAnn Coffman says
So sorry for your loss, Ruthie was such a joy. May God Bless You and comfort you all
Ann Zwicky says
Brian, Chantelle, Madison, Trevor And Brooklyn We are so sorry for your loss. Our hearts and prayers are with you at this difficult time. We are blessed to have met Ruthie some 15 years ago and she opened her heart and home to us and accepted us as part of her family as she did so many others. She was so proud of each and every one of you, always sharing stories of your accomplishments and the adventures that you shared together. Our hearts are broken as we look forward to every trip to Montana just to see her smiling face. We’re gonna miss the Ruthie way, the pinches and punches the hugs and kisses the you’re a booger and the whatever’s. She truly was one in a million. May remembering her smiles her hugs and the way she gave bring comfort to you in the days to come. We will miss you dearly, Ruthie. Rest in peace, beautiful lady.
Love, Ann & Chris
Brandi nance says
Brian and family,
I am deeply saddened by the passing of your wonderful mother. I have known her all my life and she was always such a joy to be around. May you find peace in knowing that she will be watching over all of you and spreading joy in heaven now.
Scott St. Clair says
Ruth was a fellow Helena High Graduate. I spent a few evenings at the bowling alley with her and the Townsend bunch. Always stopped by Cenex on the way thru to just say hello. She was a good friend. Beautiful obituary for an amazing lady. RIP Ruthie.
Laurie and Terry Nugent says
Our sincere condolences on the passing of Ruthie. She was a lovely person and very dedicated to her family. May her memory live in each of you.
Sandi Coyle-Benson says
Ruth was a fellow classmate and I so enjoyed talking with her. Reading about her life afterwards she remained a great person. Your memories will stay with all you touched. Rest now…
Rachel says
Ruthie was a treasure, with a pure heart of gold! She will be missed greatly and did so much for the Townsend community. Her family was her world and I pray for you all. You will be missed and forever in our hearts! I will always think of you when I buy flowers, you were my mom’s favorite too. May you rest in peace and keep on blooming watching over your loved ones ❤️❤️❤️❤️