Ruth K. Rathburn
Ruth K. Rathburn
Anna Ruth Knopp Rathburn, 95, widow of Ronald R. Rathburn, passed away on Wednesday, April 1, 2026, at Blue Ridge Christian Home in Raphine.She was born on February 12, 1931, in Augusta County to the late George Henry and Bessie Fields Black Knopp.Ruth was raised on Middlebrook Avenue in Staunton. She was the ninth of eleven children.She attended school in Staunton and graduated from Robert E. Lee High School. Following graduation, she continued her education at Dunsmore Business School, where she earned her certification. She worked briefly as a bookkeeper before marrying Ronald Rathburn, in 1949.Shortly after their marriage, Ruth and Ron moved to Hampton, where Ron worked as an auto body man in Newport News. It was there that they welcomed their first child. In pursuit of greater opportunities, the family relocated to Washington, D.C., and over the years made several moves before settling in Rockville, Maryland.By this time, their family had grown to six children. In 1966, they moved to Germantown, Maryland, before ultimately returning home to Staunton, where they remained for the rest of their lives. Two more children were born, bringing their family to a total of eight.Ruth was a devoted homemaker who lovingly cared for her family, always ensuring her children were well provided for. Her home was the heart of the family.She was a member of Hebron Presbyterian Church, in Staunton, where she taught Sunday School for many years. She was a longtime treasured member of Al-Anon.After their children were grown, Ruth and Ron enjoyed traveling together. They made memorable trips out west, visiting Colorado, Pikes Peak, Yellowstone National Park, and Mount Rushmore. They also traveled to Florida to spend time with their daughter and close friends. One of Ruth’s most special journeys was flying to Fiji with two of her children to visit her oldest daughter while she was sailing around the world.Ronald passed away in January of 2007. Ruth remained in the family home, continuing to be a source of strength, love, and support to her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren.She is survived by her children, Ginger Ruth Rathburn Blum, David Michael Rathburn and his wife, Shelly, Phillip Ray Rathburn and his wife, Kim, Joy Ann Rathburn Hudson and her husband, Steve, Christina Lee Rathburn Casto and her husband, Robert; and Richard Andrew Rathburn and his wife, Kim, all of Staunton; eighteen grandchildren; twenty-one great-grandchildren; and two great-great grandchildren.In addition to her parents and her husband she is preceded in death by her son, Roger William Rathburn; her daughter, Cheryl Lynn Rathburn Serrett; her brothers, Paul Black, Mark Lytton, James Maurice, Hiram Morris, Joseph Phillip, Daniel Wesley and Simon Welcome Knopp; and her sisters, Alice Rebecca Knopp Phillippe, Elizabeth Virginia Knopp Rodgers, and Rhoda Joy Knopp Mayes.The family will receive friends from 6:00 to 8:00 PM on Monday, April 6, 2026, at Henry Funeral Home in Staunton.A funeral service will be held at 11:00 AM on Tuesday, April 7, 2026, at Henry Funeral Home in Staunton with Reverend Dr. Henry D. Scoggins officiating.Interment will immediately follow at Thornrose Cemetery in Staunton.The family would like to extend a special thank you to the caring staff at Blue Ridge Christian Home as well as Dr. Rob Marsh for the compassion and support shown to Ruth.In lieu of flowers donations can be made at www.vaalanon.org or to your favorite charity of your choice.Henry Funeral Home has been entrusted with the arrangements.
