Ruth Knote

Ruth Rueseler Knote, 95, met her Heavenly Father on Monday, March 27, 2023.

She was born Dec. 27, 1927. 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. 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-Columbia with a bachelor of science in education.

Upon returning to Cape Girardeau, she met Charles Knote on a blind date. They were married in October 1950. She would always say, "I married adventure." Charlie created Cape Chemical Co. that does business as Cape Kil Pest Control. And Ruth truly lived an adventurous life. She 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 to 1962. She performed with the University Symphony from 1972 to 1976. Ruth also played cello with Dr. Dan Cotner for the Notre Dame High School musical productions from 1968 to 1974. She was very devoted to the Community Concert Association. Ruth worked with this organization for 36 years, serving as president, secretary and campaign chairwoman. Because of her devoted service, Ruth received the Dingeldein 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. She served for 16 years on the board, 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 barbecue and went to the Memphis in May barbecue school to become judges. Ruth judged at both the American Royal Barbecue and the Memphis in May barbecue contests. At Memphis, she judged the world championship meat for three years. From this experience, Ruth and Charlie wrote a cookbook, "Barbecuing and Sausage Making Secrets", which has sold over 15,000 copies. In 1992, Ruth and Charlie started the Cape Girardeau BBQ Fest with the Chamber of Commerce. Ruth also judged the Jack Daniels barbecue 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 and Rebecca Rueseler Schindler; great-nephew, Ryan (Kim) Rueseler, and their children, Alyssa and Remington Rueseler; and great-grandchildren, Amanda Hale, Jake Hale and Joshua Evenden.

She was preceded in death by her parents; husband; daughter, Barbara Knote Head; and several nieces and nephews.

Visitation will be from 4 to 7 p.m. Wednesday, March 29, at Ford and Sons Mount Auburn Funeral Home in Cape Girardeau.

Funeral service will at 10 a.m. Thursday, March 30, at First Presbyterian Church, with the Rev. Ellen Gurnon officiating.

In lieu of flowers, please send contributions to 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.