Ruth A. Knicely

Ruth A. Phares Ketterman Knicely, 92, of Rockingham, passed away peacefully on Saturday, November 7, 2026, at VMRC.

Born on May 28, 1934, in Circleville, WV, she was the daughter of the late Roy and Bessie Heavner Phares. On August 20, 1955, she married Randall Ketterman, who preceded her in death on March 10, 1997. On February 14, 1999, she married Frank S. Knicely, who preceded her in death on August 21, 2005.

Ruth worked a variety of jobs over the years, but her heart was always at home. She was a homemaker, the cherished matriarch of her family, and a devoted caregiver to anyone she saw in need. Her kindness reached far beyond her own table, touching everyone who knew her. Her family will always remember her homemade bread and baked goods, made with the same care she gave everything else. She was a faithful member of Weavers Mennonite Church.

She leaves behind her children, Allen Ketterman and wife Donna Jo, Richard Ketterman and wife Loretha, and Karen Elliott and husband David; her step-son, Fred Knicely and wife Phyllis; and her granddaughters, Katie Goebel and husband Max, Sara Anderson and husband Brett, and Kimberly Gentry and husband Trevor. She also leaves three step-grandchildren; five great-grandsons, Greyden, Rowen, Rory, Colson, and Torin; five step great-grandchildren; a special niece, Lorna Judy and husband Michael; and a dear friend, Fred Miller.

In addition to her husbands and parents, she was preceded in death by two brothers.
The family will receive friends from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. on Thursday, November 12, 2026, at McMullen Funeral Home.

A memorial service celebrating her life will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, November 13, 2026, at Weavers Mennonite Church, with Pastor Curt Stutzman and Gerald Harper officiating. Burial will be private at Mt. Horeb Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Weavers Mennonite Church, 2501 Rawley Pike, Harrisonburg, VA 22801.

Online condolences may be made to the family at www.mcmullenfh.com.

McMullen Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.