Avonne Evelyn Frankenfield

1931 - 2022

Avonne Evelyn (Knauss) Frankenfield of Emmaus, PA passed away at the age of 91 on July 2, 2022 at Country Meadows in Bethlehem. Born on March 15, 1931 to Viola (Heil) and Samuel P. Knauss of Emmaus, she was the only girl among seven high-spirited brothers, whom she loved dearly: Samuel Jr., Bruce, Richard, Jack, Lee, James (of Orlando, FL), and Keith (of Palm Springs, CA). Avonne always brought a positive, sunny, enthusiastic spirit to every situation. It was only natural that she became a cheerleader at Emmaus High School. Throughout her entire life she wove that spirit into her ardent support of her family, friends, coworkers, town, and country. She remained devoted to her Class of 1948, serving as a class officer well into her 80s. After graduating from high school she worked as a dental hygienist for Dr. Klerx during the day, and in the evenings sang with The Variety Kids, Neil Klein's Orchestra, and the Walt Beers Band at venues throughout the Lehigh Valley. In 1955 she married Ralph Frankenfield. They built a home and life in Emmaus for 66 years, and gave their all to their two children. In 1997 she retired as a bookkeeper from Allen Ear, Nose and Throat in Allentown. After retirement, Avonne became a regular at Rodale's senior aerobics class, and was featured in an exercise video. Avonne descends from the Knauss family who cofounded Emmaus as a Moravian community in 1759. She was an active member of Emmaus Moravian Church, teaching Sunday School, serving as a King's Daughter for over 60 years, delivering altar flowers, and joining in where needed. Later in life, she was a member of the Emmaus Historical Society. A fun-loving and devoted friend, Avonne was companioned by girlfriends who had known each other since high school. For over 70 years they gathered regularly to play cards, took bus trips throughout the country, and remained a source of love and support to each other. She excelled at being a grandmother and leaves a legacy of bargain shopping, teaching and performing her cabaret songs, excursions to Broadway shows and Phillies games, and unconditional love for her 5 grandchildren. Her life and love has made a lasting impact on her daughter Jane (Riddick) Weber of Bethlehem, PA, her son Guy (Lynn Briskie) Frankenfield of Cedar Hill, TX, and her grandchildren Guy F. (Gabby) Frankenfield of Land O'Lakes, FL, Brooke (Justin) Kintz of Arlington, VA, Katelyn (Matt) Forero of Westlake Village, CA, Sarah Burcaw of Bethlehem, Rebecca Burcaw of Philadelphia, and her four great granddaughters, Gianna, Gillian, Vivienne, and Piper. Avonne's husband of 66 years, Ralph Frankenfield, died in 2021 during Covid. A memorial service honoring both Avonne and Ralph will be held at Emmaus Moravian Church on Saturday, October 15, 2022. Her family thanks the caregivers at Country Meadows of Bethlehem for their compassionate care for the past year. In lieu of flowers, please consider a memorial donation to a charity of your choice.