Betty Jean (Knott) Knafel

Betty Jean (Knott) Knafel of Richland, MI and formerly of Battle Creek, MI,




Betty, age 84, died unexpectedly Wednesday afternoon, July 15, 2015 at Bronson Methodist Hospital, Kalamazoo, MI surrounded by her loving family.

Betty, the daughter of Raymond C. and Helen M. (Hartman) Knott, was born in Fort Wayne, IN on September 13, 1930 and moved to Battle Creek in 1957. She was a member of St. John's Evangelical Lutheran Church of Battle Creek. Betty was an avid reader, enjoyed gardening, playing cards with friends, but the most important part of her life was her family.

Betty was united in marriage to Franklin H. Knafel on February 27, 1954 in Goshen, IN and he sadly preceded her in death on April 30, 2006. Surviving is her daughter, Diana L. Tomlinson of Galesburg, MI; her son, Roger H. (Susan) Knafel of Marshall, MI; five precious grandchildren, Ronnie (Jackie) Worthington, Travis (Stephanie) Tomlinson, Ryan (Lori) Tomlinson, Zane Knafel and Mical Liana Knafel; a darling great granddaughter, Taegan Tomlinson and her brother, Ralph (Carolyn) Knott of Haines City, FL. Betty was also preceded in death by her parents; a daughter, Linda D. Boos on January 9, 1995; two sisters, Mary LaCrone and Thelma Shearer and a brother, Don Knott.

The Funeral Service to celebrate Betty's life will be held on Tuesday, July 21st at 10:30 a.m. at St. John's Evangelical Lutheran Church, 26 Arbor Street, Battle Creek (49015) with the Rev. Cary Grant, Pastor, officiating. Interment next to her beloved husband, Frank will follow in Fort Custer National Cemetery, Augusta, MI. Betty's family will receive friends on Monday July 20th from 5:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. at the Farley-Estes & Dowdle Funeral Home & Cremation Care, Richland Chapel, 9107 East D Avenue (M-89). Memorial contributions in Betty's honor may be directed to St. John's Lutheran Church, 26 Arbor St., Battle Creek, MI 49015 or the Richland Relay for Life 7401 N. 32nd St., Richland. MI 49083.