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Funeral: 11 a.m. on Tuesday, October 25, 2022, at Frank & Bright Funeral Home
Visitation: 6 until 8 p.m. on Monday evening at the funeral home
Interment: Orchard Hill Cemetery in Louisville
Lois Jean McKnelly, age 80, of Louisville, Illinois, passed away Thursday night, October 20, 2022, at her home.
She was born April 22, 1942, in Clay County, the daughter of Nicholas “Lyle” and Zola Leona (Fulk) Bateman. Lois Jean was united in marriage to Billy D. McKnelly on August 16, 1964, at Ingraham Christian Church. She and Bill would later settle into their lifetime church home at Flora First Christian. Throughout the years, she found great joy in contributing her voice to song and praise during worship.
Caring concern for family and friends was her life and heart. She was a kind caregiver who recognized the importance of making time for those who had a special need or concern, and volunteered at the Clay County Ministerial Alliance Food Pantry. Lois Jean loved preparing decorative cakes, gardening and canning, tending to her flowers, sharing affection for her pets, and being creative with upholstery and ceramics. She valued education, and even after raising a family became inspired to enroll in college courses along with earning a CNA and finding a rewarding role in the care of babies. Travel was another memorable part of her life, as she looked forward to trips and vacations in the U.S. and abroad, both with family and later as she and Bill explored new and favorite places.
She is survived by her husband: Bill McKnelly of Louisville; 3 children: Darlene (Joe) Fatheree of Effingham, Marla (Bob) Gillett of Kinmundy, and Darrell (Lisa) McKnelly of Louisville; 9 grandchildren: Taylor (Hannah) Fatheree of Knoxville, Tennessee, Haley (Hayden) Klockenga of Mt. Vernon, Seth Gillett of Kinmundy, Tyler (Oceana) Gillett of Fort Branch, Indiana, Anna Gillett, Sarah Gillett, Emma Gillett all of Kinmundy, Lindsey (Zach) Davis of Louisville, and Kyle (fiancé Ashley) McKnelly of Louisville; 3 great-grandchildren: Beckham Klockenga, Jase Davis, and Grant Davis, as well as 2 more lovingly anticipated great-grandchildren on the way; and a number of nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by her parents and a sister: Leona “Ruth” Weber.
A funeral ceremony for Lois Jean McKnelly will be held at 11 a.m. on Tuesday, October 25, 2022, at Frank & Bright Funeral Home in Flora. Interment will follow in Orchard Hill Cemetery in Louisville. A visitation will be held from 6 until 8 p.m. on Monday evening at the funeral home. Memorial donations are suggested to Siteman Kids at St. Louis Children’s Hospital (providing cancer care for children) and will be accepted through the funeral home. To share a condolence or memory, visit: www.frankandbright.com
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Bill and family I am so sorry for your loss. I will miss you my friend .
Loved your momma ! She was one of a kind and will be missed by so many. Prayers and love to you all
So very sorry for your loss. May God comfort you during this most difficult time.
I am sorry to hear of Lois' passing I used to work with her on OB at the old hospital many years ago. I recently saw her at the Farm Bureau gathering. We had a nice visit after years of not seeing each other. Please accept my sympathy. Rest in peace, Lois.
So sorry to about the loss of Lois Jean. We are thinking of you and your family in the days ahead.
So sorry to hear about Lois Jean. We are keeping entire family in thoughts and prayers. Always enjoyed visiting with her.
Lois fought a good fight and stayed with us more than I ever thought possible. She thought the world of her family and was always so happy to talk about you all and show me pictures when she came to her appointments. Saying prayers for you all during your time of sorrow.
Lois Jean was a very dear friend for almost 50 years. We had so many good memories and enjoyed many trips together. Lois loved her friends and family deeply and so enjoyed giving to those that she loved. I am blessed to have known her and to have been called her friend. She and Bill were more like family to my children and grandchildren than just friends. She will be greatly missed.💜
Darell and Lisa, Our prayers and comfort to you and all of your family. May God's comfort and blessing be with you every moment of the day. Life group friends, Paul and Becky Rhodes
So sorry for your loss! Your family is in our thoughts and prayers!
You all have our deepest sympathies! We loved Lois Jean! She will be missed!!!
We are sorry to learn of Lois Jeans Death. She has fought a good fight, had days of lot pain> I went to grade school, high school, rode school bus several years together, a wonderful cake creator, made dresses for her daughters, & herself. Our thoughts & Prayers to her family in the following days, months. Lindsey she always called to tell me about her grandson what he said, what he was into, he was the apple of her eye. Prayers
I will miss our Sunday morning conversations. Heartfelt condolences to the family
Our thoughts and prayers are with the family.
Bill, Darlene, Marla and Darrel I am so sorry for your loss. Prayers for everyone during this time.
Our sympathy and prayers to the family.
Bill and family so sorry for your loss she was a very caring woman. When my mom had cancer and was sick she came and seen her and even brought some food. She had a very good heart and I will never forget how kind she was to her. You are all in our thoughts and prayers.
So sorry for your loss. Prayers
If I remember correctly, Bill and Lois Jean were involved in Farm Bureau with my parents. My sympathies to the family.
May the love of God surround you during this time of sorrow. You are in our thoughts and prayers.
So sorry for your loss, praying for God’s comfort and peace. Lois was a wonderful neighbor and will be missed.
She was a wonderful woman. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all for comfort.
Though I hadn't seen Lois or Bill for some time, they have always been dear to my heart. I spent many hours on the phone with Lois. My heart goes out to Bill, Darlene, Marla and Darrell and their families. Prayers being lifted up on their behalf.
So sorry for your loss. Thinking of your family during this difficult time.
You are a lovely woman I lived down the road from you
Darlene, you& your family are in my pŕayers. Losing yòur mother is losing a part of yourself. I still miss mine.
Fond memories. She was an exceptional CNA and loved caring for newborns while worked along side of me and others. Rest in peace. Thoughts and prayers to family. Friends, and acquaintances
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]
