Cleta Mae Knowles

Cleta Knowles, 94, of Unionville, MO, passed away at the Putnam County Care Center in Unionville on Saturday, March 10, 2018. She had been in failing health for about five months.

Cleta Mae (Wilson) Knowles was born in Woodburn, Lucas County, IA, on August 21, 1923, the daughter of Henry Harrison and Grace (Cornelison) Wilson, who preceded her in death. She was reared in Lucas County. Cleta married Junior Ray Knowles in Unionville, MO, on July 5, 1941 and he preceded her in death on July 24, 1998. Cleta and Junior spent most of their married life in Unionville where Cleta was a homemaker who helped Junior in his auto body business. She also helped out at the Unionville Drive-in from time to time. Cleta was a hard worker. Mostly she loved her home and her family. Cleta liked to raise flowers and work in her yard and garden. She also liked to pick and cook greens from banks of the Chariton River. Cleta’s faith in the Lord Jesus was also important to her and she was a member of the Unionville First Christian Church.

Cleta is survived by her children: Donna Miller and husband Charlie, Jerry (and the late Connie) Knowles, and John Knowles and wife Robin, all of Unionville, MO. She is also survived by seven grandchildren, 12 great grandchildren, and three great-great grandchildren.

In addition to her husband and parents, Cleta was also preceded in death by nine siblings: Margaret Babock, Dorothy Reece, Frances Black, Jim Wilson, Merle Wilson, Paul Wilson, Howard Wilson, David Wilson and Audrey Ruggles.

Graveside services for Cleta Knowles will be at the Unionville Cemetery in Unionville, MO, at 2:00 pm on Monday, March 12, 2018. There will be no visitation. Interment will be at the Unionville Cemetery.

Memorials are suggested to Hospice of Northeast Missouri and may be entrusted with Playle and Collins Family Funeral Home, 709 S. 27th St., Unionville, MO 63565.