Betty Mae Knapp

Our beloved mother got her wings on December 19th at 93 years of age.

She is the beloved wife of the late Robert Furman Knapp. Loving mother of Tami Mahler, Diane (Kenny) Hennings, and Daniel Robert (Ellie) Knapp. Preceded in death by infant son, David Robert Knapp. Adoring grandma of Anthony (Megan) Hennings, Ashley (Jake) Schroeder, Sarah and Adam Mahler, Talia, Laura, Krista and David Daniel Knapp. Great grandma of Kinsley and Landon Hennings. Predeceased by loving parents William Jennings and Vergie Mae Marcum as well as older siblings Luella (Bill) Kearns, Virginia ( Richard) Lugo and Billy (Mary) Marcum.

Her most important focus was always to be a good mother and homemaker, concerned about the safety and welfare of each of her children, even to her final days. She loved all holidays and decorated her home with a aplomb every season. Her autumn and Christmas décor were her favorites. And her festive powder room was legendary!

She was employed as a secretary at GE during its heyday in the 1950's. After her youngest reached early teens, she resumed secretarial work at Industrial Services until retirement. But her real work was just beginning!

She provided childcare for her toddler grandson and 2 infant granddaughters born just two weeks apart for the next few years. She also spent countless hours volunteering at her church. Her faith was an integral part of her life and she considered her church family some of her very dearest friends.

Mom and Dad traveled over their lifetimes to various national parks from Maine to Oregon and points in between. They especially cherished time spent with family and friends at their favorite fall destination in the Great Smoky Mountains every year. From her backyard, Mom enjoyed feeding the birds and watching for deer to stop at the saltlick at the edge of the woods. Other favorite pastimes included reading books, the newspaper and People magazines as well as watching movies and westerns on TCM.

Mom was small in stature but mighty in personality. Her independent spirit and a wee bit of stubbornness kept her residing in her home until her final two weeks. She was the consummate hostess: she loved entertaining and warmly welcoming all to her lovely home filled with family photos and antiques. Mom delighted in telling the stories behind each of them with deep love and reverence for those who had gone before.

She loved celebrating life and family and is no doubt leading the party with all her heavenly family and friends who have been waiting patiently with margaritas in hand. She's finally teamed again with her brother, Billy, tearing up the dance floor to Proud Mary's "Rolling on the River"!

Our hearts are hurting and you will be missed terribly, but we rejoice knowing you are reunited with Dad and baby David.

Until we all meet again, our deepest love to you always Mom.

Also survived by many nieces, nephews and friends left to mourn her passing.

Visitation at St. James Episcopal Church, 3207 Montana Ave., Cincinnati, OH 45211, Saturday, January 3rd from 9:00 a.m. until funeral service at 10 a.m.

Donations may be made to Hospice of Cincinnati, St. James Episcopal Church or charity of donors choice.