Dorothy Ann Knowles

Dorothy Ann Knowles, beloved wife
and mother, grandmother of many, both
blood and adopted, went home to be
with her God and Father in heaven Oct. 30, 2014.

Dorothy, born Feb. 19, 1936, to John and Helen Upcraft
here in Walla Walla at the old General Hospital,
grew up in Walla Walla and met the Love of her
life, John Knowles, in 1949, while square dancing at
the Valley Chapel School. John and Dorothy got married
Sept. 3, 1954, and started down a road of 60 plus
years together that brought them nine children, 37
grandchildren, and 50 great-grandchildren, along
with anyone else who happened to come along. All
were welcome. Dorothy, momma, was often referred
to by her children as the “General”. She was the rock
that everyone anchored to. Her love of family and her
faith in Jesus made Dorothy into the wonderful woman
she became.

Mom, while raising nine children, was still able to
support dad in his many endeavors. Together, with
some help from others, finally settled on the Bicycle
Barn which they purchased in 1985. The purchase of
this small business was such a blessing. Mom and dad
built this business into a very successful and thriving
livelihood. Finally, with one of their son’s taking over
the business in 1998, they were able to start slowing
down. This allowed John and Dorothy to travel
with their RV, often accompanied by mom’s sister,
aunt Barbara. When they were not traveling, they
dearly loved to make it to as many of their grandchildren’s
activities as they could. Dorothy Ann Knowles,
grandma, would not want to use the word pride, but
felt truly blessed by her very large and loved family.
Dorothy is survived by her husband, John; her sister,
Barbara; and her nine children: Barbara (Bob)
Rossi, Rachel (Bud) Ruchert, Shelley (Ken) Thonney,
Brent (Vicki) Knowles, Greg (Shareen) Knowles,
Becky (Randy) Pearson, Ruth (retired Army Major)
Knowles, Joy (Paul) Espinos, Johnny (Jennifer)
Knowles; 37 grandchildren; 51 great-grandchildren;
several nieces and nephews.

In closing is one of Mom’s favorite verses, Matthew
18:10, “Take heed that you do not despise one of these
little ones, for I say to you that in heaven their angels
always see the face of My Father who is in heaven.”
We Love You, Mom.

Services will be held at College Place Presbyterian
Church at 11 a.m. on Monday, Nov. 3, 2014. In lieu of
flowers, donations can be made to the College Place
Presbyterian Church for Ed Freepons college scholarship
fund.