Ruth Ann Knave
September 12, 1941 - September 17, 2017

Ruth Ann Knave, 76, of Tall Timbers, MD passed away September 17, 2017 in McDowell, VA.

Ruth Ann was born in Port Huron, MI on September 12, 1941 to the late John Seltzer and Mary Louise Rupp.

She was employed in Management for C&P Telephone Company, later known as Verizon, until her retirement.

On November 14, 1988, she married her beloved husband, Richard Lee Knave in Fauquier County, VA. Together they celebrated over 29 wonderful years of marriage.

Ruth Ann was a talented seamstress and made many of her children's and her clothes. She also made many beautiful wedding gowns and the altar linens for St. George's Episcopal Church in Valley Lee, MD. She even made the boat cushions for her son's charter boat, the "North Star", as well as countless costumes. If it could be made, Ruth Ann could accomplish it.

She enjoyed reupholstering and restoring antiques and quilting. She was very skilled and highly regarded as a restorer of antique dolls. She was known nationwide for her talent in restoring these dolls to pristine condition. She even had her own kiln and made new porcelain dolls, of which she had an extensive prized collection.

Additionally, she was an incredible cook with many delicious specialties, including homemade rolls that no one else could master, and she made thousands of them for the church dinners. She loved to host family gatherings and prepared all of the food, especially around the holidays.

Her greatest love was spending time with her family, and often travelled with them. She loved her children dearly and made each of them feel as though they were her favorite.

She was a long time member of St. George's Episcopal Church, the Altar Guild and volunteered often. She was also a member of the Quilters Guild in LaPlata, MD.

Ruth Ann is survived by her loving children: Julie B. Clemons (Tim) of Madison, VA, Douglas "Butch" Cornelius (Jo Ellen) of Piney Point, MD, Robert "Bobby" Cornelius (Sue) of McDowell, VA; Bonnie Jeanne Cornelius Hummer (Bob) Hanover, VA; Rebecca "Becky" Cornelius Lumpkins (Steve Elledge) of Tall Timbers, MD; Barney Cornelius (Amy) of Culpepper, VA; siblings: Linda Sullivan, Donna Taylor, and Kathleen Johnston all of Port Huron, MI, and Donald Seltzer (Diane) of Garland, TX; 14 grandchildren and 5 great grandchildren; and many extended family and friends.

She is preceded in death by her father and mother.

Family will receive friends for Ruth Ann's Life Celebration on Tuesday, September 26, 2017 from 5:00 to 8:00 p.m., with prayers celebrated at 7:00 p.m., at Brinsfield Funeral Home, P.A., 22955 Hollywood Road, Leonardtown, MD 20650. A Funeral Service will be celebrated by Reverend Greg Syler on Wednesday, September 27, 2017 at 11:00 a.m. at St. George's Episcopal Church, 19167 Poplar Hill Lane, Valley Lee, MD 20692.

Interment will follow in the church cemetery, followed by a gathering of family and friends for refreshments in the Parish Hall.



Memorial contributions in lieu of flowers may be made to St. George's Episcopal Church, P.O. Box 30, Valley Lee, MD 20692.

Arrangements by the Brinsfield Funeral Home, P.A.