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Funeral: 2 p.m. Sunday, April 25, 2021, at Community of Christ Church in Flora
Visitation: 6 until 8 p.m. Saturday evening at Frank & Bright Funeral Home in Flora, and from 1 until 2 p.m. Sunday at the church
Burial: Elmwood Cemetery
Mary Ellen Knapp, age 94, of Xenia, Illinois, passed away at her home on Tuesday afternoon, April 20, 2021, surrounded by her family.
She was born May 12, 1926, in Odin, the daughter of William Thomas and Verna Iona (Cozad) Minton. In 1946, Miss Mary Ellen Minton married Howard Edward Knapp. After 37 years of marriage, Howard passed away in 1983.
Mrs. Knapp was a member and elder of the Community of Christ Church Flora Congregation where she was very active, especially with their outreach in making delicious meals like the annual turkey dinner, and batches of much sought-after apple butter and apple dumplings. She was a loving wife, mother, and grandmother, and enjoyed working puzzles and looking after her home.
She is survived by 4 children: Jim Knapp and wife Judi of Harrisburg, Pam Williams and husband Bob of Plano, Texas, Ed Knapp and wife Becky of Salem, and Susan Oldacre and husband Brad of Somerville, Alabama; 11 grandchildren: Lori Knapp, Kirby Williams, Jodi Martinez and husband Xavier, Matt Dawkins, Kristal Burke, Blake Knapp and wife Jenny, Sara Koebele, Daniel Knapp and wife Jessie, Katie Barrineau, Josh Elledge, and Brandon Oldacre; 14 great-grandchildren; a sister-in-law: Jane Knapp of Xenia; and many nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents; husband; and siblings: Hazel Sloan, Ethel Shelton, Carl Minton, Perry Minton, Wilbert Minton, Clifford Minton, and Jim Minton.
A funeral ceremony for Mary Ellen Knapp will begin at 2 p.m. Sunday, April 25, 2021, at Community of Christ Church in Flora. Burial will follow in Elmwood Cemetery. Visitation will be from 6 until 8 p.m. Saturday evening at Frank & Bright Funeral Home in Flora, and from 1 until 2 p.m. Sunday at the church. The preferred form of remembrance is suggested as a memorial donation to the Community of Christ Church in Flora, and these will be accepted through the funeral home. To share a condolence or memory, visit: www.frankandbright.com
Oct 27, 1934 - Apr 21, 2024
May 31, 1946 - Apr 20, 2024
Aug 8, 1939 - Apr 18, 2024
Jul 20, 1934 - Apr 14, 2024
Aug 31, 1955 - Apr 12, 2024
To Mary’s family: Know that you are in our prayers because we know you have lost a wonderful Mother, Grandmother, Great Grandmother, Sister and Aunt. The world has truly lost an exceptional woman. Mary was one of the sweetest, kindest and most gentle persons we have ever known. And, she always had that great smile coming back at us. If we only had a world made up of Marys. She lived a long life in her faith and dedication to her God. We are truly fortunate having known her and having had the ties with her in our church, a church and church family she dearly loved. May God Bless Mary’s family and may all the precious memories you have had with her bring extra strength for you through this difficult time.
So sorry for your loss.
Ed and Becky..I am so very sorry for your loss..prayers for comfort at this time
Jim, Pam, Ed and Susan, I am so sorry to learn of your Mother's passing. She was one of the sweetest, kindest ladies I have known. Although I haven't seen her much over later years, she and your Dad, and all of you have always held a special place in my memories of our growing up years in Xenia. We were blessed to have had the childhoods we had and blessed to have had the parents we had. It was a kinder, gentler time. May God grant you peace and comfort during this time.
Mary always had a smile and was glad to greet you. She interacted very well with young folks, making us feel welcome and important. She was a great lady and I appreciate our time together in life. Mark Henson
I love sharing the kitchen with her and worshiping with her. So many great memories. So sorry for your loss sending prayers for family.
We are very sorry for your loss.
I’ve actually had Mary Ellen on my mind the past week or so. She was one of my favorites and I’ve missed seeing and talking with her. She was such a kind soul. God Bless her family during this sad time. I look forward to seeing Mary Ellen again in Paradise 🥰
Mary was a very sweet lady, I know she will be missed.
I have very fond memories of Mary and all of your family. Mark Henson said it perfectly. She made everyone feel special. My sincere condolences.
She was a very fine lady and deserved everyone's respect. Her friendship was precious! She was a very fine lady and deserved everyone's respect. Her friendship was priceless.
So many good memories of spending time in your home when we were young. It always seemed to me she was smiling & had kind words for everyone, (except one time when we were playing a Beatles album way too loud, we turned the volume down!) prayers of peace and comfort for all of you.
Mary was such a sweet lady. My memories of her kind spirit. Mary helped in my growing as a young person in Christ. We will keep family in prayer at this time. Sorry for you loss.
I am so sorry for your loss.
We are so sorry to hear of Mary passing. She was a very special and kind lady. Prayers go out to all her family.
So sorry for your loss. So many of us "Xenia kids" have fond memories of Mary Ellen. She treated all of us like we were family. A truly great lady.
So sorry for your loss. She was a nice lady. My mother and I were just talking about her recently as we passed by her home place in Xenia.
So very sorry for your loss, my thoughts and prayers go out to the Family and friends.
We send our Love and Sympathy to the family. Mary Ellen was a great lady and we enjoyed our time spent with her at our church. We sure did cook a bunch of apple dumplings with her. She was so much fun to be around and we know she will be missed by all.
Sorry for your loss. Mary was a joy to be around, always a smile and a positive comment. Waited on her for years when I was a cashier at IGA. Prayers of comfort for all the family and friends.
Sorry for your loss. Waited on her at the Knapps station where I worked for years!! God be with you and your family at this time.
Mary has been a wonderful person and has a family to show for it. They are tremendous relatives. Mary's fine example lives on. Her life blesses so many others.
Frank & Bright Funeral Home
and Cremation Services
500 North Main Street
Flora, Illinois 62839
Phone : (618) 662-2141
Fax: (618) 662-4600
Email: [email protected]
