Mrs. Dorothy Ellen Knuckles

February 3, 1934 - July 4, 2019

Dorothy Ellen Knuckles, daughter of the late Jim Crabtree and Sarah Ann (Hoskins) Walker, was born on February 3, 1934 in Winona, MO, and departed this life on July 4, 2019 at Mercy Hospital in Springfield, MO. At the time of her passing she was 85 years, 5 months, and 1 day of age. Dorothy was a devout Christian woman all of her life; constantly studying and learning the Bible. She was united in marriage to George F. Knuckles on May 27, 1949 in Salem, Arkansas and to this union two children were born, one of whom survives her. She served in Civil Service for 22 years and received multiple prestigious awards. Dorothy returned to work for the government as a contractor upon retirement and was responsible for the Engineer School move from Fort Belvoir to Fort Leonard Wood, MO. Later, after moving to Springfield, she worked at numerous temporary positions. Her last temporary position was with O’Reilly’s working in the Administrative Department tracing inventory for all O’Reilly’s stores. Dorothy enjoyed bluegrass music, playing the bass, traveling, loving her family, reading and quilting. She made a hand sewn quilt for every child, grandchild, and great-grandchild. She loved having people over and always made sure they left with a full belly; she couldn’t stand for someone to come without eating. She had the biggest heart and was always concerned about others instead of herself. Near the end she would say she was fine, that they would figure out how to fix her, and would ask how you were doing, never focusing on her. She had so much love to give, as sick as she was, she made sure even the nurses knew she loved them. Dorothy was preceded in death by her parents; her son, Gary Knuckles; one brother, Allen Crabtree; and two sisters, Lovina Tipton and Beulah Pingleton. She is survived by her husband, George F. Knuckles, of the home; her daughter, Donna Ichord of Manhattan, KS; one brother, Ellis Leroy “Jim” Crabtree of Bolivar, MO; six grandchildren, Jennifer & husband Steven Holden; Ernest & wife Sonja Johnson; Angelica & husband Austin Hendrix, Kimberly & husband Chad Rutter, Christine & husband Tim Klockner, and Hillary & husband David Pantle; and eight great-grandchildren, Audrey (Ryan) Johnson Relitz, Meagan Johnson, Nora Johnson, Morgan (Aaron) England, Samantha Rutter, Grace & Carly Klockner and Wesley Pantle and one great-great grandchild, Levi England. She also leaves many other family members and friends who will all truly miss her. Dorothy was a loving wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, great- great-grandmother, sister, aunt, a caring neighbor and friend. We celebrate her life and know that her family and friends will treasure the wonderful memories she made for them during her lifetime. Graveside services will be held on Monday, July 8, 2019, 11:00 at the Maple Lawn Cemetery, Buffalo, MO. under the direction of the Cantlon Otterness & Viets Funeral Home of Buffalo