Ruth Mahlum Knecht

Ruth Knecht, age 90, 167 Parkview Circle, Grand Forks, died Wednesday, October 30, 2013 in Lee's Summit, MO after a brief illness. Visitation will be at 2 pm on Thursday at Grace Baptist Church, 700 24th Avenue South, Grand Forks, for one hour prior to services at 3 p.m. followed by burial at Memorial Park Cemetery, Grand Forks. Ruth Helen Grina was born on June 20, 1923 in Northwood, ND to Alvin and Lena Grina. On June 23, 1942, she married Earl Mahlum in Seattle, WA. After Earl passed away in 1980, she married Otto Knecht on January 1, 1984. Mr. Knecht passed away on February 9, 2005. She is survived by her 3 children, Joanne Mahlum Plaas (Jon) of Lee's Summit, MO, Nancy Mahlum Cook (Charley) of Denver, CO, John Carl Mahlum (Sherry) of Idaho Falls, ID and sisters-in-law, Verle Mahlum Muir of Hillsboro, ND, and Ruthie Grina Buwolda of Phoenix, AZ. Step-children include Larry Knecht (deceased) and Connie Knecht Trapp from Marion, ND, Donald Knecht (deceased) and Cheryl from Donnybrook, ND, James Knecht of Grand Forks, Rhonda Knecht Hollarn (Don) of Grand Forks, Michael Knecht (Leanne) of Grand Forks, and Tony Knecht (Joan) of Grand Forks, along with numerous grandchildren and great grandchildren. Ruth's family would like to thank all of her relatives and friends for the prayers and acts of kindness. A special thank you to nephew James Grina and Mom's "angel", Freida Gowan. She was preceded in death by her parents and her brothers, Milton, Elton, and Robert Grina and sister, Lou Grina Pladson. Ruth lived her Christian life in such a way that she was a blessing to all who knew her. We all grieve her passing but with a joyous hope of our inheritance in heaven together. The family requests that memorials be sent to Grace Baptist Church where she had been a faithful member for many years.