Mary Knapp

1941 - 2024

Mary Knapp of Yuba City, CA, was born in South Charleston, WV, on November 13, 1941. Mary passed away peacefully on July 13, 2024, at age 82.

Mary graduated from Northern Illinois University with a Political Science Degree. She was a veteran of the United States Air Force.

An excellent journalist, Mary wrote for the Appeal Democrat and the Independent Herald. She became the first woman on the Sutter County Board of Supervisors, and served two terms. She was the owner of Knapp Communications, where she developed and implemented several successful marketing and public relations campaigns for businesses in the Yuba Sutter Area.

She took a break in 1985, and became the Executive Director of the Yuba Sutter Chamber of Commerce. In 1985, when Rand McNally named Yuba City, CA, one of the "worst places to live," Mary jumped in with two feet and developed a campaign to showcase Yuba City's strong attributes.

Mary was instrumental in the development of the California Prune Festival and lent her talents assisting the Bok Kai Festival, and Peach Festival. While at the Chamber, under her leadership, the Beale Military Affairs Committee was started and was successful, keeping Beale Air Force Base off the Base Closure List through several rounds.

Mary was a community leader and political activist. As a recipient of the prestigious Athena Award, she was one of the first women members of the Marysville Rotary, formed a support group for women, which is still active today, and served on numerous community boards. Mary was the mentor to many women in Yuba Sutter Area, helping them advance their careers. She was very active in the Sutter County, Yuba County, and State Democratic Party.

With a love of the outdoors, Mary could be seen walking, hiking, swimming, and camping. She loved Shakespeare, and made many trips to Ashland to see plays. Mary spent her sunset years in a home on the Russian River in Forestville enjoying walks with nature to her hearts content.

Mary is survived by her son, Glenn Knapp; grandchildren, Chandra, and John Knapp; brothers, Jimmy Hudson and Brian Hudson; and her former husband, Wynn Knapp, who she retained a close relationship.

Mary was preceded in death by her parents, Juanita and William Hudson; brother, Terry Hudson; sister, Dreama Hudson; and her son, Kenny Knapp.

Mary will be missed by her family, friends, and community.

Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, September 21, 2024, at 11 AM, at St. Andrew Presbyterian Church, 1390 Franklin Rd., Yuba City, CA. Holycross Memorial is handling the arrangements.