Donnis Knoettgen

Donnis Mable (Cox) Knoettgen  passed away on Sunday, January 26, 2025 at the age of 98.  She was born on the family farm in rural Clay County Kansas on August 27, 1926 to George and Emilie (Peterson) Cox.  Donnis was their first of four children.

A 1944 graduate of Clifton Rural High School, she was the Washington County spelling bee champion and class valedictorian.  Donnis worked in Topeka after graduation until Joe Knoettgen requested she join him in Portland, Oregon (where he was stationed in the navy) to be wed on September 6, 1945.  Joe preceded her in death on March 2, 2014 after being married for 68 years.

Donnis led an active life in Clifton as a member of St. Mary’s Catholic Church and the Altar Society, the American Legion Auxiliary for 60 years, Art Buffs, Modern Misses, 4-H project leader, several quilting groups, and card clubs.  Most of her work involved managing a farm home (gardening, cooking, baking, sewing, canning) and she was also a postal clerk for 20 years.  Joe and Donnis enjoyed traveling around the USA with their fifth wheel camper and spent many winter months in Florida and Texas.

She is survived by her children; Lindy Knoettgen (Wanda) Clifton, KS; Kathy Ellis (Terry) Valley Center, KS; Danny Knoettgen (Suzi) Clifton, KS; Jan Jackson (Jesse) Clay Center, KS and Dena Watson (Tim) Midlothian, VA.; a brother, Francis Cox Clifton, KS; and a sister, Darlene Swartz, Blue Springs, MO.   Donnis was graced with 16 grandchildren, 40 great grandchildren, 1 great great grandchild, and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and friends!

She was preceded in death by her daughter, Kristi and her brother, Daryl.  Donnis enjoyed a long life, well lived and well loved by her many friends and big family!

Visitation will be held from 4:30-5:30PM on Friday, January 31, 2025 at the St Mary’s Catholic Church in Clifton.  The Rosary will be recited at 5:30PM.  There will be a reception at 6:30PM at the Clifton American Legion.

A funeral Mass will be held at 10:00AM on Saturday, February 1, 2025 at the St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Clifton.

Inurnment will be in the St. Mary’s Catholic Cemetery.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Donnis Knoettgen memorial fund and can be sent in care of the funeral home.