Ruth Knudsen, age 86, passed away on December 27,2013. Born November 25, 1927, she was a life long resident of Holland. She graduated from Holland High School and worked as a telephone operator for Michigan Bell Telephone company for 30 years, retiring in 1977. She had a great love for all animals and a passion for gardening. Friends and family could always count on finding her in her garden accompanied by her dog Holly. Her parents were Benjamin Bowmaster and Jenette (Koopman) Bowmaster DeVries, brother Ben and Phyllis Bowmaster and step brother Roscoe DeVries. She is survived by her son Jeff and Laurie Knudsen and grandsons Phillip and Evan Knudsen. Her nieces and nephew are Marcia and Bob Pinder, Benny Bowmaster and Lynn and Michael Doctor and of course her beloved dog Holly. She will be dearly missed by all who knew her. Donations in her Honor can be made to the Ottawa Humane Society, Hospice of Holland and to the DeGraff nature center. A celebration of her life will be announced to friends and family at a future date.