Nancy Knoblett

Nancy Knoblett, 84, of Palestine, IL, passed away on May 31, 2024, at Timber Creek Village in Robinson, IL. Born on June 8, 1939, in Vincennes, IN, her life began in the house that cradled generations of her family. She attended St. John's Catholic School and later St. Rose Academy, where she graduated in 1957. Nancy's youthful (perhaps mischievous) spirit often led her and her friends to slip out of class and into adventures down Main Street in Vincennes, trying on dresses or catching a movie, leaving the nuns none the wiser as to their escapades! She was also known for her secret shorthand messages on the blackboard that left her educators perplexed.

Nancy's work ethic was as robust as her sense of fun, starting at Nelson's Bakery at the age of fifteen before moving on to the Kresge Dime Store and the Frost Top Drive-In. Before long, she found herself working in the layaway and the charge departments for Gimbel Bond, unaware that her life's story was about to enter a new chapter under the water tower in Vincennes. It was here that she met her soulmate, Don Knoblett, leading to an impromptu bowling date that would roll into a lifetime of shared memories. Their marriage, a union celebrated in a quaint Catholic chapel at Fort Sam Houston, TX, on September 15, 1959, laid the foundation for a love story for the ages.

Following Don's military service, they returned to his hometown of Palestine, where Nancy devoted herself to family life before embarking on a successful entrepreneurial journey with the creation of the Rocking Horse, a beloved gift and flower shop in Palestine. From its inception in 1985 until passing it on in 2009, she curated treasures that delighted her customers while crafting floats for the Labor Day Parade that were the talk of the town, winning first prize on several occasions. Nancy's talents truly knew no bounds; she was an artist, a craftsperson, and a cook whose dumplings were unrivaled. From quilting to knitting, sewing to painting, her hands were never idle. They could turn yarn into comfort, fabric into fashion, and flowers into a language all their own. She was an alchemist of the everyday, transforming the mundane into the magical. Perhaps this is what drew her to collecting antiques like the nearly 150 potato mashers that decorated her kitchen walls!

Nancy's vivacity knew no bounds. She danced through life, literally, as she and Don glided across dance floors with the Star Prowlers Square Dance Club and bowled for trophies that paled in comparison to the joy of their camaraderie. She also enjoyed the relationships she built through the Vincennes Junior Fortnightly Club, the Palestine Junior Women's Club, and the St. Elizabeth Catholic Church, where she worshipped for many years. Time at home often found her working a jigsaw puzzle or playing "O Sol" (Solitaire) for hours at a time. Her love of card games was further displayed in innumerable rounds of Bridge, Euchre, and Tripoly with family and friends, and she relished every opportunity to play Bunco with her nieces and sister.

Her presence at her children's and grandchildren's sporting events was unwavering, as she was a constant cheerleader regardless of the miles traveled. Her loved ones will tell you that Doris Day's cinematic charm was a balm for sick days, one of many traditions and interests handed down with love. Her heart was a wellspring of generosity, touching lives through her benevolence. She sought out those in need within her community, extending a helping hand without seeking recognition, embodying the purest form of giving. Nancy's humor also sparkled like a gem, illuminating every room with her quick wit and leaving an indelible mark on those fortunate enough to bask in her radiant presence.

As we reflect on the remarkable journey of Nancy Knoblett, let us carry forward her indomitable spirit, living each day with the same boundless enthusiasm and heart that she shared with the world. Her story is a vibrant invitation to each of us to embrace life with open arms and to weave our own tapestries with the threads of joy and love.

She is survived by her husband of nearly 65 years, Don Knoblett; by her children, Greg Knoblett & fiancee Sarah J. Scank, Doug Knoblett, and Debbie Reinbold; by her grandchildren, Levi & Samantha Knoblett, Danielle & Kevin Stokes, Shannon & Mario Zanandrea, Samantha Caton, Jackie & Dyllon Harris, Katherine Knoblett & fiance Joe Colbert, Autumn & Joshua Loudermilk, Chase Knoblett, Kayla & Rob Malone, Samantha & Jevon Pearse, and Sarah & Dylan Mason; by seventeen great-grandchildren and by several nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Wayne L. & Mary A. (Thomas) Bumgarner; by her daughter, Judith Lyn Knoblett; by her sisters, Mary Elizabeth "Betty" Bayne and Rita Nowaskie; and by her brother, Anthony "Tony" Bumgarner.

A time of visitation will be held from 3:00-5:00 p.m. on Sunday, June 9th, at the Goodwine Funeral Home in Palestine. A funeral mass will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Monday, June 10th, at the St. Elizabeth Catholic Church in Robinson, with Father David Beagles officiating. For those unable to attend, a live stream of the mass will be available at www.goodwinefuneralhomes.com/live-stream/live-stream . Memorial contributions may be made to either the "Palestine Food Pantry" or to the "St. Elizabeth Catholic Church", and envelopes will be available at both the funeral home and the church. Burial will be in the Oak Grove Cemetery.