Ruby Emily Knutson, 94, of Thief River Falls, MN died on Saturday, December 12, 2009 at Merit Care Northwest Medical Center in Thief River Falls, MN.

Funeral services will be held 11:00 AM on Tuesday, December 15, 2009 at St. John Lutheran Church in Thief River Falls with Reverend Aaron Zuch Officiating.

Visitation will be held on Monday December 14, 2009 from 5 " 8 PM with a 7:00 PM prayer service at Johnson Funeral Service in Thief River Falls and also one hour prior to services at the church on Tuesday.

Ruby Emily Knutson was born July 25, 1915 near Lancaster, MN daughter of the late Robert and Minnie (Agman) Carlson. She was baptized and confirmed at Saron Lutheran Church in Lancaster. Ruby attended country school near Lancaster. She moved to rural Thief River Falls December of 1949.

She was united in marriage to Frank Lawrence on October 27, 1936; to this union two children were born, James and Marva. On March 22, 1948 she was married to Elmer B. Mortenson; two children were born to this union Elaine and Yvonne. On October 26, 1968 Ruby was married to Art Knutson.

Ruby loved baking for family and friends and was known for her spritz and flat bread. She was a life long lover of music and taught herself to play the piano. She enjoyed puzzles, word games, and playing cards and usually had a joke to tell. Grandma Rubys family, children and grandchildren were very important to her. She was a member of the St. John Lutheran Church and the VFW Auxiliary both in Thief River Falls. Ruby has resided the past few years at Valley Home in Thief River Falls.

She is survived by her children: James Lawrence of Minneapolis, MN; Marva (Dave) Huff of Lincoln, MI; Elaine (Rick) Jensen of Thief River Falls, MN and Yvonne (Gordy) Przybylski of Indianapolis, IN; grandchildren Debbie (Tim) Walker, Mindy Piper, Merideth (Joe) Griffin, Erika (Mike) Ramstorf, Dane Jensen, Katie (Nick) Murdock, Eric Przybylski and Matt Przybylski: 18 great grandchildren, three great-great grandchildren, step-daughter Bernice Goulet and step-daughter in law Eileen Huna; step-grandchildren Don (Paula) Knutson, Jeff (Lois) Knutson, Tammy (Chris) Kuehn, Kristi (Mike) Stierns, Susan Goulet, Julie Goulet and Mark Goulet. She is also survived by sisters: Fran Carlson of Chico, CA; Shirley Maksymchuk of Babbitt, MN and Kathy (Bill) Roy of Langdon, ND as well as several nieces, nephews and cousins, one aunt Hilma (Leo) Colson and special friend Tony Madunich.

She is preceded in death by her parents, husbands Frank, Elmer and Art; step sons Don Knutson and Duane Mortenson; Grandson Doug Green; step-great granddaughter Lindsay Knutson and sisters Ethel Stronstad, Melvie Stewart, Helen Peterson and Lillian Getschel.