Ruth C. Knigge-Nelson

Feb. 28, 1932 – Sept. 24, 2022

Ruth C. Knigge-Nelson, 90, passed away on Sept. 24th, 2022 at Palouse Country Assisted Living in Fairfield, Wash.. Ruth was born Feb. 28, 1932 in Spokane, Wash., to Joseph A. Merkel and Lena M. Merkel. She grew up on the family farm in Sprague, Wash., before moving to Spokane and graduating from North Central high school in 1949. She attended Eastern Washington College to study music for a short time. Ruth married LeRoy Knigge on Oct. 14, 1950 and divorced in 1972. She has three children: Robin, Randy, and Roger.

Ruth met the absolute love of her life and married John G. (Jack) Nelson in 1995. Throughout the years, she taught piano lessons in Sprague, Lamont, Edwall and Reardan. She played the piano and organ at almost every event that took place; including her own mothers wedding and her husband Jacks Celebration of Life. Ruth also spent many years working at the Reardan-Edwall school district as a teacher's aide. She is survived by her children, Robin (Dick), Randy (Connie) and Roger (Tammy) and numerous grandchildren, nieces, nephews and friends. She is also survived by her step-children: John (Renell), Pam (Romero), Debra, and Priscilla, and numerous grandchildren, nieces, nephews, and friends.

A Celebration of Life ceremony will be held on Sun., Oct. 23, 2022 at the Reardan Presbyterian church in Reardan, Wash., at 2:30pm. Hennessey Funeral Home & Crematory on Division is caring for the family. Any memorial donations are suggested to be made to the Reardan Presbyterian church