Celebrating the Life of Ruth C. Knighten

Sunrise: August 17, 1956 | Sunset: September 25, 2025

Ruth C. Knighten was born on August 17, 1956 in Omaha, Nebraska to the loving parents Melvin and Edith Swillie.  The family moved to Washington state in 1969 where Ruth spent the remainder of her life.

Ruth loved her family and enjoyed spending family time reminiscing about her childhood and her early years growing up in church.  She was gifted by God with an angelic voice which she started to use at the tender age of eight. Her first solo in church was "Oh Happy Day" at the age of 11.  Ruth continued to faithfully express her gift in music at her church Pacific Christian Center where she was a dedicated, faithful and a long-standing member of 31 years.  She was on the praise and worship team, in the choir and was a sought after soloist leading people into the presence of God. Ruth had a passion for singing about her Lord and to her Lord and it was evident when you heard her sing. A special highlight of hers was being a part of an annual Christmas stage production at her church called A Gospel Christmas.  She was a regular cast member where she was able to not only display her singing voice, but her acting ability to the glory of God.

Over the years, Ruth was very active in many other areas of ministry at her church; wherever she was needed she was willing to serve. Eventually, she was appointed to serve on the Board of Directors and was the "second" appointed Deaconess.  She continued to serve with the spirit of excellence in these areas until she couldn't physically serve any longer.

Ruth was a capable and talented woman in many areas of her life. Besides serving in her church which she loved, she served her community in the educational field.  She retired as an educator from the Tacoma School District after teaching for many years at First Creek Middle School.

Ruth fought the good fight of faith.  She never complained or felt sorry for herself. And while she was battling these health challenges her unwavering faith in God gave her peace and kept worship songs continually in her heart and on her lips.  When she could no longer put voice to her favorite two signature songs she was known for, she would just move her lips…never missing a note or a single word; voicing the words in her heart which is a powerful testimony of her life, "I'm Not Ashamed of the Gospel" and the last song that was played for her, "He's Been Faithful to Me." And on Thursday, September 25, 2025, our precious Ruth went home to be with her Lord and Savior Jesus Christ surrounded by her family and is now singing with a great host of angels in heaven. She will be greatly missed on this earth, but never forgotten.

Ruth was preceded in death by her father, Melvin Swillie. She is survived by her mother Edith Swillie, and son John Knighten, her siblings Annette Ross (Brad Ross), and Normaria Swillie;brothers Gerald Swillie and Charles Swillie and her grandchildren Zahkeye and Larissa; as well as a host of nieces and nephews and loved ones and relatives.