Ruben J. Knodel

Ruben Joseph Knodel was born November 6, 1924 in Lind, Washington to Emma and Gustave Knodel. He grew up on the family farm 8 miles east of Lind. He went to school in Ralston, Washington in his early years and then graduated from Lind High School in 1942. He loved fishing for catfish, perch, and trout with his parents in the various lakes in eastern Washington.

He married the love of his life, Rubye Dittus in 1951 in Hebron, North Dakota. They moved into their home on the family farm in Lind, Washington. They were blessed with three children, Cynthia, Jerry and Nancy.

As a family they enjoyed many vacations camping, boating, and traveling. One of the favorite vacations was to the Washington coast digging clams, geoduck, and shucking oysters.

Ruben was a progressive and devoted dryland wheat farmer for 50 years in Adams County, Washington. During that time he saw many changes; horse drawn equipment to mechanized farming as it is today. He enjoyed being ahead of the curve when it came to new practices and wheat varieties.

Prior to retirement, Ruben and Rubye traveled to the Washington coast. They decided to come through Sequim on their way home and knew this was the place they wanted to retire to. They moved in 1990 to a beautiful home overlooking the Dungeness Spit.

They enjoyed their retirement years with good friends, church and visits from family.

Ruben is survived by his wife, Rubye in Sequim; daughter, Cynthia (Mark) Butcher, Enumclaw, Washington; son Jerry (Debbie) Knodel, Lind, Washington; and daughter, Nancy (Bryce) Stephenson, Pullman, Washington. Ruben enjoyed his 7 grandchildren and 4 great grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents and sister, Eva.

A memorial service will be held in Sequim, Washington, February 16, 2019 at 2:00 pm, Trinity United Methodist Church. Private family burial will be held in Lind, Washington at a later date. In lieu of flowers, memorials can be made to Trinity United Methodist Church.