She was born on February 18, 1941, to Carma (Tumey) & Lawrence Kaufman, in Toledo, Ohio. On June 6, 1969, she became the beloved wife of John Michael Knitz who predeceased her on December 2, 2024. After graduating High School in Toledo, she continued her education and graduated from the Mary Manse College of Toledo, with her Master of Arts degree and also a Lifetime Service Award for her dedication and service to the Delta Kappa Gamma Society.

She then followed her passion to teach elementary school in Toledo and when she and John relocated to the Lake Leelanau area, she taught elementary at Bertha Voss, Willow Hill, and Long Lake. She truly put her heart and soul into the successes and struggles of her students. She retired after over 40 years of teaching and remembered each and every one of her students, spoke of them fondly, and celebrated their accomplishments in family, faith, life, and career over the years.

She also enjoyed spending time with family and friends golfing, skiing, snowmobiling, gardening, and the occasional trip to the casino where she was known for her “Ruth Knitz Luck” and blessing a chosen few with her amazing chocolate chip cookies!

Ruth had a kind heart and a caring soul. She will be dearly missed by many caring and loving friends and family far and near. She was preceded in death by her husband John Knitz, many beloved fur children, her parents Carma and Lawrence Kaufman, and brother Larry Kaufman.

She is survived by siblings Charlie (Karen) Kaufman, Bob (Janise) Kaufman, Rita Kaufman, sister-in-law Dawn Kaufman, many Nieces and nephews, cherished friends and “Adopted” family, Jeff and Janette, Kaleb and Jakob Kehl.

Per Ruth’s wishes, cremation has taken place and there will be a service planned for late spring to honor both Ruth and John.