Clara Knauss

Clara Jane Knauss, 89, passed away April 24, 2008, surrounded by her loving family at the Colonial Manor in Whitefish.

Clara was born Dec. 15, 1918, in Austin, Manitoba, to Ruben and Edith Hotel Biggar. She moved to Whitefish with her family when she was in grade school and attended Whitefish schools.

She married Earl Lee Knauss in Libby in 1934, and they made their home in Whitefish. Clara was a devoted wife and mother, raising their two sons Donald Lee and Earl Richard.

She also worked at the Whitefish Public Library, Whitefish Water Department and Sandra's Dress Shop.

Clara enjoyed her horses and cats, bird watching, handicraft work, bowling, modeling, gardening, bicycle riding, reading and traveling. She was a life-long learner and was a member of the Rifle Club, Moose Club and Lutheran Church in Whitefish.

She resided at Colonial Manor in Whitefish for five years and was known as the "Nursing Home Sweetheart," and all the staff there was part of her loving family.

Clara was preceded in death by her husband Earl in 1977; her son Earl in 1968; her parents; sisters Margaret Biggar, Enid Gilbert and Gennette "Nettie" Wilson; brothers Richard, Phillip and Hugh Biggar; her great great granddaughter Taylor Overton; and her companion Robert Wicen.

She is survived by her son Donald and wife Janet, of Libby; grandchildren Bob Knauss and wife Caryn, Cathy Brown, Ron Knauss and wife Davina, and Kelly Knauss; great grandchildren Shaunnah, Megan, Miranda, Cali, Logan Rose, Cody, John and Tony; six great great grandchildren; step-grandchildren Krystal Mires and Bonnie Mires Koch; sister Sheila Calhoun and husband Bruce and her children Dennis, Jackie and Bill; sister-in-law Gwen Biggar; and nieces and nephews Sandra, Peggy, Myrtis, Dewey, Joe, Dawn, Dana, Joanie and Annette.

A funeral service was held April 29, 2008, at the Austin Funeral Home in Whitefish, with the Rev. Peter Erickson officiating. Burial took place afterward at Whitefish Cemetery.

The family suggests memorials be sent to the Whitefish Library, Nine Spokane Avenue, Whitefish MT 59937.