ASHLAND: Joan Ruth Knowlton, age 92, passed away on Tuesday, September 2, 2025 at Brethren Care Nursing Center in Ashland. She was 92.
She was born near Sullivan, Ohio on August 27, 1933 to Lawrence Victor and Vera Marguerite (nee Park) Johnson.
Joan held various positions throughout her life including secretary, office manager, and consultant. But her favorites were that of a wife, mother, grandmother, and great grandmother.
She is survived by her loving husband of 71 years, Harley Knowlton, a brother, Robert Johnson of Ocoee, FL, her son Robert (Mary) Knowlton of Mansfield, her daughter Cheryl (Ed) Smeltzer of Ashland, grandchildren Caitlin (Samuel) Shepard of Tucker, GA, Allison (Adam) Lieb of Wadsworth, Nate (Carmen) Knowlton of Columbus, Rachel (Adam) Boudler and Heather (Jeff) Szucs of Ashland, Ryan (Kayla) Smeltzer of Batavia, OH, and eleven great grandchildren.
She was preceded in death by her parents, her sisters Harriet Lange, Pauline Ropp, Clarice Johnson, and Leona Stoll, and brothers Gerald, Kenneth, Charles, Walter, and Ronald Johnson; and several nieces and nephews.
In keeping with Joan’s wishes, there will be no public visitation or services. A private interment of ashes will take place at Ashland Cemetery, and a private celebration of life will be planned for a future date.
Memorial contributions in Joan’s memory may be made to a charity of your choice.
Snyder Funeral Home Marion Avenue Chapel in Mansfield, is assisting the Knowlton family with the arrangements. Share a message of support with them online at: https://www.snyderfuneralhomes.com/obituaries/Joan-Ruth-Knowlton?obId=45024073#/obituaryInfo
Funeral Home: Snyder Funeral Home Marion Avenue Chapel
Website: SnyderFuneralHomes.com