Barbara June Knapp

Barbara Riggs Knapp passed away peacefully at her home in Dexter on March 20, 2026. She was born May 19, 1931 in Detroit, Michigan. She graduated from Redford High School in Detroit and attended the University of Michigan, where she received a BA in English. She was a very proud member of Pi Beta Phi Sorority.
Barbara was married to Fay, whom she met at the University of Michigan, for over 57 years. Barbara is survived by her three children Tom Knapp, John (Rhonda) Knapp and Cindy (Robert) Baker, seven grandchildren, Jessica (Ryan) Evans, Shilo Wolfe, Danny (Regan) Knapp, Adam (Hollyanne) Knapp, Sean (Justine) Baker, Hayley Baker and Mitchell Baker. She also has seven great-grandchildren, two nieces, one nephew, and three great-nephews. She took immense pride in her family and found deep happiness in keeping them connected and close.
Barbara and Fay raised their family in Birmingham and lived there until retirement when they moved to her beloved family cottage in Dexter—a place that became the heart of countless cherished memories for them and their family. She devoted her adult life to her marriage with Fay, who preceded her in death in 2010, and to raising their three children. Barbara also worked at North Congregational Church, where she built lasting friendships and served her community with warmth and dedication.
In Dexter, Barbara embraced the life she loved most. With proximity to Ann Arbor, she was an active member of First Congregational Church where she volunteered and made many great friends. She found joy in work, volunteer activities, gardening, entertaining, and opening her home to family and friends. She built a loyal network of new friends in Dexter, and she was blessed by all these connections. Her "cottage" by the river became a gathering place filled with laughter, stories, and togetherness. Welcoming her children, grandchildren, Michigan alumni and many dear friends was one of her greatest pleasures.
She will be remembered for her warmth, generosity, and the loving home she created for all who knew her. Her legacy lives on in the family she treasured so deeply and the memories they will carry forward.
A memorial service will be held May 16, 2026 at 10:00am at First Congregational Church of Ann Arbor 608 E. Williams Street 48104
Memorial contributions may be made to:
House By the Side of the Road www.housebythesideoftheroad.org