Ruth Mildred Sybers (née Knight), 91½ years young, passed away on May 21, 2026, at UW Hospital in Madison following unexpected complications during surgery.

Ruth was born on October 22, 1934, in Watertown, Wis., to Ervin C. and Mildred (Aebischer) Knight. A proud Watertown Gosling, she graduated as co-valedictorian of the Class of 1952 and served as editor of The Watertown High School Hi Scribbler. She also played saxophone in the marching band, and ever after was a John Philips Sousa fan.

She attended the University of Wisconsin-Madison, earning her bachelor’s and master’s degrees and completing doctoral coursework in clothing behavior through the School of Human Ecology. A member of Phi Upsilon Omicron, Ruth was, at heart, a lifelong learner.

Ruth began her career in education, teaching in Mayville, UW-Milwaukee, and UW-Madison, before marrying Harley D. Sybers in 1958. She supported him through medical school. Their daughter Jane was born as he defended his dissertation in June of 1963 and they moved to Bethesda, Maryland that same year. The family returned to Madison, where their son Bill arrived three years later.

Much of the next chapter of her life centered on family-full of carpools, YMCA lessons and activities of raising children. Along the way, Ruth built a career as a realtor, broker, and property manager, while the family’s path took them from Madison to La Jolla, California; Houston, Texas; and back to Watertown, Wisconsin. Life there included Arabian horses, 4‑H chickens, a pig named Gertrude, and homecoming float projects at the family farm. She also found great joy in substitute teaching at Watertown High School, where she embraced her belief that everyone learns differently-and everyone has something to teach.

Ruth returned to Madison and began yet another chapter. She continued to substitute teach. She reconnected with her passion for textiles through knitting, becoming active in the Madison Knitters’ Guild, an enthusiastic Elizabeth Zimmermann camper and many other textile groups. She continued her work in real estate, later becoming an Assistant Vice President at Anchor Bank.

After a period of profound loss in the decade of the 90's-including her husband, parents, brother, and father-in-law, Ruth relocated to Monticello and founded her yarn business, Knitter’s Treat. Ruth also created an investment club to help her children and others learn the basics of finance-reflecting her strong belief in education and financial responsibility. For over 20 years, she helped support textile exhibits at The Dining Room at 209 Main in Monticello, bringing respected artists and teachers like Lucy Neatby and Vivian Hoxbro amongst others to the community. Her love of learning extended worldwide through travel, including trips to Japan, Latvia, Mexico, and Canada.

A lifelong member of the UW Alumni Association, Ruth proudly followed the Badgers to the Rose Bowl-twice. She was an avid listener of Wisconsin Public Radio and, by choice, spent most of her life without television, preferring conversation, reading, and discovery. She was a Founding Member of the Monticello Historical Society and was instrumental in getting them to the current location on Main Street in Monticello.

Ruth’s greatest gift was her ability to see potential in people and bring them together. Many, especially her children and those she mentored, benefited from her encouragement, insight, and steady belief in paying it forward. Inspired by Margaret Mead, she remained endlessly curious about people, cultures, and ideas.

She is survived by her children, Jane Sybers (John F. Meyer) and William J. “Bill” Sybers; as well as nieces, nephews and extended family related to the Sybers and Knight families. She was preceded in death by her husband, Harley; her parents; her husband's parents; and her brother, David J. Knight. At the age of 91, there are too many other relatives and dear friends to mention.

A Celebration of Ruth’s Life will be held at the CHALET LANDHAUS INN, in New Glarus, Wis., on Sunday, June 21, 2026, from 12 p.m. to 2 p.m., with remarks at 1 p.m. This was a place of many years of annual UFO knitting weekends (UnFinished Objects). While we know this is Father’s Day for most, we will claim it as "Our Mother's Day" this year.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to support your favorite school or educational charity, NAMI Dane County or the Monticello Historical Society.

All Faiths Funeral & Cremation Services of Madison is assisting the family. Online condolences can be shared at www.866allfaiths.com.