On Oct. 20, 1973, Ruth Knipp and Ryan Van Pelt were united in marriage at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church in Scott City. 

The couple made their home in Great Bend where they reside to this day. They have two daughters, Deborah (Joel) Ellison and Kelly (Woody) Van Pelt; and two granddaughters, Lila and Logan Ellison. 

A trip to Estes Park, Colo. was planned by their children to celebrate the occasion.