Ruthie Lee Stephens Knowles was born in Worth County, Georgia on December 11, 1941, to the late Rufus and Daisey Stephens.

She received her early childhood education in the Worth County School System at the Flower School.  During her secondary school years, she matriculated at Monroe High School and graduated in 1962.

Ruthie's Christian experience began at a very early age when she accepted Christ as her Lord and Savior.  She was a devout member of New Provisor Baptist Church and served faithfully in numerous capacities, including the Mother's Board and Usher Board.  Her faith in God kept her spiritually strong and she never ceased to give Him the glory for the blessings in her life.

In 1963, Ruthie was joined in holy matrimony to Randolph Knowles, Sr.  They shared a love that was strong and a devotion to one another that was unshakeable.  As a wife, she supported her husband in all of his endeavors; as a mother, she worked tirelessly to ensure that her children were nurtured in the admonition of the Lord.  Ruthie dearly loved her family; provided unconditional support, tender guidance, and boundless love; and cherished the precious moments spent with them.

Known to many as a kind and generous lady with a big heart, Ruthie opened the umbrella of her love and affection in countless ways.  She loved to cook and was an excellent baker whose cakes and pies were second to none.  Graciously, she opened her heart and home to family, friends, or anyone in need.  Ruthie was also blessed with a "green thumb" and was often found outdoors tending to her flowers and plants, or giving "flower care" instructions to neighbors and friends.  She will be greatly missed by all who knew and loved her.

On Saturday, July 24, 2021, Ruthie departed this earthly life at Phoebe Putney Memorial Hospital.  Although absent from the body, we take comfort in knowing that she is present with the Lord.  In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by four siblings, Jessie Froster, Willie Mae Jones, Theodies Stephens, and Georgia Williams.

Loving memories will forever be cherished by her beloved husband of 58 years, Randolph Knowles, Sr.; her children, Randolph (Martha) Knowles, Jr., Jennifer Knowles, and Eric (Tandeka) Knowles, Sr.; godson, Melvin Thompson; siblings, James (Juanita) Stephens, Sr., Ann Boyd, Georgie (Ashley) Green, and Daisey Walker; 13 grandchildren, 28 great grandchildren, and 2 great-great grandchildren; and a host of aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, cousins, extended family, and friends.