Ruby Jane Knutson was born November 15, 1934 to Arthur B and Cora (Ven) Carlson in Lincoln County, near Centerville South Dakota. She died on July 26, 2025 at the Centerville Care and Rehab Center at the age of 90 years, 8 months and 11 days.

She was baptized at Scandia Lutheran Church and graduated from Centerville High School in 1953. She then attended Sioux Valley Nurses training and received her RN degree in 1956. After her board certification she worked at Sioux Valley Hospital, Pioneer Hospital where she performed many jobs. She worked in the lab, ER, and the operating room. She then took the director of nursing job at Centerville Good Samaritan Center for several years and later switched to charge nurse when Darrell became ill. Ruby retired from nursing and continued to come in when they were shorthanded. She officially retired her RN license when Darrell's health declined.

Ruby married Darrell Knutson on June 9, 1957 and lived southwest of Centerville on their farm. She was an active member of her church and organizations within and enjoyed being a member of her Extension Club. She enjoyed traveling across the USA, and all over Europe, Canada and Mexico. Her and Darrell traveled with the SD Ringneck Winnies Club with the motorhome and Ruby continued several years after Darrell passed away in 2009. She also decorated cakes for her family, attending pencil conventions, Tri Valley Barbershop programs, sewing, crafting, quilting, and ceramics. She enjoyed attending her children's activities as well as her grandchildren's. Ruby moved to an apartment in Centerville for several years before moving to the Centerville Care and Rehab Center. She thoroughly enjoyed taking part in the various activities and had a deep affection for the entire staff.

Ruby is survived by her 4 children, Michael (Sharon) Knutson of Tucson, AZ, David (Renae) Knutson of Irene, SD, Rebecca (Gordon) Roth of Turkey Ridge, SD, and Randall Knutson of Centerville, SD; 11 grandchildren and 17 great grandchildren; two brothers James (Glenda) Carlson, Ron (Ann) Carlson and sisters in law Joan and Judy. She is preceded in death by her parents, her husband, two sisters, and two brothers.