Ruth Rueseler Knote

Ruth Rueseler Knote met her Heavenly Father on March 27, 2023. She was born on December 27, 1927, reaching the age of 95. Her parents were Albert and Lucy Rueseler, the owners of Rueseler Chevrolet. She attended Trinity Lutheran Grade School and graduated from Central High School in Cape Girardeau, Missouri. Since music was her passion Ruth received an Associate of Arts degree in Music with a Cello Major and Piano Minor from Stephens College. In 1950, she graduated from the University of Missouri with a Bachelor of Science in Education. Upon return to Cape Girardeau, she met Charles Knote on a blind date. They were married in October 1950. As mother would always say, "SHE MARRIED ADVENTURE". Charlie had created Cape Chemical Company that does business as Cape Kil Pest Control. And she truly lived an adventurous life. Ruth taught the fourth grade at Franklin Elementary School before starting a family. Ruth and Charlie had five children: Barbara, Nancy, Elizabeth, Patricia and Richard Knote. All five graduated from college. In addition to raising five children, Ruth was very involved in cultural arts. She played the cello for the Cape Girardeau Symphony from 1943-1962. She performed with the University Symphony from 1972-1976. Ruth also played cello with Dr. Dan Cotner for the Notre Dame High School Musical productions from 1968-1974. She was very devoted to Community Concerts. Ruth worked with this organization for 36 years serving as President, Secretary, and Campaign Chairman. Because of her devoted service, Ruth received the Dingledine Award, the Columbia Artist Award, the Community Concert award, and the National Golden Lyre Award. When the River Campus project was started, the city appointed Ruth to the Board of Directors. Ruth served for 16 years on the board, and 10 of them as President, which was her greatest achievement. The Zonta Club awarded Ruth the Woman of Achievement Award for Volunteers, for involvement with the River Campus, Symphony Board, and Girl Scouts. Charlie and Ruth became interested in BBQ and went to the Memphis in May BBQ school to become judges. Ruth judged at both the American Royal BBQ and the Memphis in May BBQ contests. At Memphis, she judged the world championship meat for three years. From this experience, Ruth and Charlie wrote a cook book, Barbequing and Sausage Making Secrets, which has sold over 15,000 copies. In 1992, Ruth and Charlie started the Cape Girardeau BBQ contest with the Chamber of Commerce. Ruth also judged the Jack Daniels BBQ contest and was videoed for the Food Network. She was a member of PEO Chapter FY for 54 years. Ruth loved to play bridge and continued her 1950 bridge club for the rest of her life. Ruth is survived by four children, Nancy (Bob) Evenden, Elizabeth "Lizbe" Knote, Patti Knote and Richard (Mary) Knote; six grandchildren, Tracy Hale, Julie Vardiman, Jonathan Evenden, Benjamin Evenden, Andrew Knote and Laura Knote; nieces and nephews, Vicki Rueseler (Jim) Overstreet, John Rueseler, Robert (Janet) Rueseler, Rebecca Rueseler Schindler; great-nephew, Ryan (Kim) Rueseler and their children, Alyssa and Remington Rueseler; great-grandchildren, Amanda Hale, Jake Hale, and Joshua Evenden. She is preceded in death by her parents; husband; daughter, Barbara Knote Head; and several nieces and nephews. Visitation will be from 4:00 pm to 7:00 pm Wednesday, March 29, 2023 at Ford and Sons Mt. Auburn Chapel in Cape Girardeau. Funeral service will at 10:00 am Thursday, March 30, 2023 at First Presbyterian Church with the Rev. Ellen Gurnon officiating. In lieu of flowers, please send contributions to the Southeast Missouri State University River Campus, One University Plaza MS 7895, Cape Girardeau, MO 63701 or First Presbyterian Church, 235 Broadway, Cape Girardeau, MO 63701. Online condolences may be made at www.fordandsonsfuneralhome.com. Ford and Sons Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.

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Ruth Rueseler Knote

December 30, 1927 - March 27, 2023