Ruth Klecan Sane, age 80, of Rutherfordton, NC, died Friday, July 22, 2022, at Hospice House of the Carolina Foothills in Forest City, NC.

Ruth was a native of Caroline County, Maryland and the daughter of the late William and Emma Klecan. Ruth was preceded in death by her brothers and sisters; Dorothy Sard, George Klecan, Elsie Greenly, Alfred Klecan, Charles Klecan and Betty Smith.

She is survived by her husband Chris; two daughters, Jenny (Hugh) of Chapel Hill, NC and Amy (Jack) of Mills River, NC; and two granddaughters, Grace and Caroline. In addition, she is survived by her brothers; Louis Klecan, James Klecan and her sisters; Shirley McNamire, Edith Greenly, Susie Klecan, and Joan Engelsiepens.

Ruth was a loving mother and enthusiastic grandmother. She was especially fond of her granddaughters, having waited so long and impatiently to get them. She delighted in spoiling them at every opportunity. She had an exceptional green thumb and helped Chris plant and harvest many gardens large enough to feed them as well as several friends and family  Never afraid of hard work, Ruth held many jobs during her life. She was an expert homemaker and talented crafter long before Martha Stewart made it popular. As much as she loved her family however, she was also a ruthless card shark who would show no mercy

Always possessed of a sharp wit, she told her mother she was marrying Chris because she felt sorry for him. They were married over 55 years. Chris cared tirelessly for Ruth in her last months.

The family wishes to extend gratitude and heartfelt thanks to the nurses and other staff of the Hospice of the Carolina Foothills who helped take care of Ruth in the last few weeks before her passing. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Hospice of the Carolina Foothills, PO Box 336, Forest City, NC 28043. A private celebration of life is planned for a later date. McMahan's Funeral Home & Cremation Services