Lenora Knapton, 91
Lenora Knapton, 91, a longtime Columbia Falls resident, passed away on New Year's Day, 2005, at the Immanuel Lutheran Home in Kalispell.
She was born on Sept. 1, 1913, in Bagley, Minn., (outside Bemidji) to Ludvig and Sarah Amundson. She graduated from Bemidji High School in 1932 and married William "Bill" Knapton in Bemidji, on June 5, 1934. They had three sons there, Dick, Jim, and Doug.
The family moved to Columbia Falls when Plum Creek mill relocated following World War II. Lenora supported her sons in all their various activities while they were growing up and volunteered for many of them. She was a Cub Scout den mother, junior and senior Luther League advisor and a regular at school plays, band concerts, and football and basketball games.
Some of Lenora's other activities included working with her husband at Gateway Lumber and driving a school bus route, where she handed out more treats than discipline. Her cookies were well known by kids of all ages. She knitted and crocheted an untold number of sweaters, afghans, tablecloths and blankets.
Lenora was a member of Our Savior's Lutheran Church for more than 50 years where she worked on different committees and belonged to the Morning Circle for many years. Lenora also volunteered for several years at the Columbia Falls Senior Center. She especially enjoyed working in the kitchen. Her family and church were very important parts of her life.
She became her husband's care giver after Bill suffered a stroke. She always enjoyed hearing what her sons, grandchildren and great-grandchildren were doing. She also enjoyed seeing them whenever they came to visit. Lenora traveled to several states to help when grandchildren arrived.
Lenora is survived by her sons, Dick and Sandy of Houston, Jim of Conrad, and Doug and Janice of Columbia Falls; seven grandchildren and 15 great-grandchildren.
She was preceded in death by her husband, her parents, two sisters, and a brother.
Lenora will be missed by all the people she touched along the way.
A memorial service will be held 11 a.m. Thursday, Jan. 6, at Our Savior's Lutheran Church in Columbia Falls with Pastor Tom Gopp officiating.
Memorials are suggested for Our Savior's Lutheran Church, Immanuel Lutheran Home, or charities of choice.
Columbia Mortuary in Columbia Falls is in charge of the arrangements.