Joan Knoblett

Joan Marie Knoblett, 84, of Robinson, IL, left this world to enter into the presence of her Savior on January 16, 2025. She passed peacefully at her son's home, leaving behind a legacy of faith, kindness, and a life lived with deep purpose and love. Joan was born on January 22, 1940, in Sidney, IN, the daughter of Robert and Lucile (Rager) Pyle. Raised in a home where faith and hard work were constants, Joan carried those values with her throughout her life. After graduating from Sidney High School, she worked at a book bindery and helped her brother Cecil on the family farm.

It was at Collamer United Church of Christ that Joan's story transitioned into a new chapter. Her soon-to-be sister-in-law, Betty, noticed Joan's kind and gentle spirit and arranged a blind date between her and Betty's brother Wayne. An evening at the bowling alley and movie theater turned into a whirlwind romance, and by Easter, Joan and Wayne were engaged. The couple married on June 12, 1971, beginning a love story that was rooted in community and service. The couple made their home on the grounds of the Oak Glen Golf Course, where Wayne served as caretaker and Joan greeted visitors in the pro shop. Known for her warmth, she was beloved by golfers and neighbors alike. With her remarkable memory, Joan could recall not just names and birthdays, but the details of people's lives that made them feel valued. She found joy in the simplest tasks around the course, like picking up golf balls on the range which she considered both good exercise and a tangible way to partner with Wayne.

Their home near Porterville became a gathering place for friends and family, where Joan's cooking—especially her cinnamon rolls and famous corn casserole—brought people together. She loved the simple joys of life, like crocheting afghans for nearly everyone she knew—babies, nieces, nephews, and even her son Patrick's college roommate—all lovingly crafted as acts of kindness. Even as her eyesight began to fail, Joan delighted in the fluttering of birds at her feeder, often instructing her daughter-in-law Jackie to refill it so she could continue enjoying their presence. Though physically blind, Joan's vision for how to love others remained sharp and clear. She cherished her family and never missed an opportunity to ask about their lives or to celebrate their milestones. She extended that same care to everyone, always wanting to know the latest news and making everyone feel at home in her presence.

A woman of deep faith, Joan lived her life as a reflection of her Savior. Whether cleaning the Hardinville Christian Church or cooking meals behind the scenes at Porterville Congregational Christian Church, she served with a joyful and humble heart. She was a constant presence at church services, where she sang every hymn by heart, even though her voice wasn't exactly pitch-perfect. In her final years at Brookstone Estates, Joan attended Bible studies and services regularly, forming meaningful friendships and sharing the love of Christ with everyone around her. Her faith, which had guided her through every season of life, has now been made sight. We have no doubt where she is—she is with Jesus, as she always has been, only now in the fullness of His presence, where she is finally and eternally home.

Joan was preceded in death by her beloved husband of 43 years, Wayne, in 2014; her parents, Robert and Lucile Pyle; her brothers, Robert Pyle, Cecil Pyle, and Carl Mishler; her sister, Doris Johnson; and her brothers-in-law, Glenn Johnson and Harold May. She is survived by her son & daughter-in-law, Patrick & Jackie Knoblett (Robinson, IL); by three grandchildren, Bryant Knoblett, Brianna Knoblett, and Ian Chlebowski; by her sisters & brother-in-law, Evelyn & Dwight Boyd (Sebring, FL), and Esther May (Warsaw, IN); by her sisters-in-law, Dorothy Pyle (Sebring, FL) and Lucile Mishler (Columbia City, IN); and by a special sister-in-law & brother-in-law, Betty & Richard Boyd (Oblong, IL) and their children: Heather & Eric Denison (and their family) and Shannon Campos (and her family). Joan also leaves behind her dear friends, Marvin & Alicia Evans (Sidney, IN), John & Janne Inboden (Robinson, IL), and Glena Camden (Flat Rock, IL), and several nieces and nephews who will forever cherish her memory.

A visitation will be held on her birthday, Wednesday, January 22nd, from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. at the Goodwine Funeral Home in Robinson. A memorial service will follow at 1:00 p.m., with Pastors Butch Murbarger and Justin Sweitzer officiating. Memorial contributions may be made to "Brookstone Estates" to benefit their activity fund. Envelopes will be available at the funeral home.