Kris Knouf

OTTUMWA — Kris E. Schwartz Knouf, 61, of 110 Shaul Ave., Ottumwa, died at 8:45 p.m. Sept. 22, 2009, at Hospice House in Ottumwa.She was born May 2, 1948, in Ottumwa to Kermit L. and Shirley R. Kritzman Schwartz. She married Craig Knouf Feb. 2, 1969. They later divorced.A graduate of Ottumwa High School in 1966, she attended Simpson College where she was a member of Pi Beta Phi Sorority.She was a member of First United Methodist Church, and she had been a volunteer director of the Ecumenical Lord's Cupboard, a past board member of Habitat for Humanity and a volunteer for Hospice. Kris enjoyed quilting and working with flowers, and will be remembered as an advocate for the less-fortunate persons of the community.Surviving is her daughter, Betsy Knouf of Coralville; a sister, Barbara R. (Henry) Owens of Naples, N.Y.; a niece, Jessica R. Owens of Rochester, N.Y.; her father and stepmother, Kermit L. and Wilma L. Eells Schwartz of Ottumwa; an aunt, Ruth V. Hancock of Ottumwa; an uncle, Loren D. Schwartz of Hedrick; cousins; special friends, Shannon Addison and Lorrie Bouchard.She was preceded in death by her son, Scott E. Knouf; her mother, Shirley R. Schwartz; and her grandparents.Funeral services will be 1 p.m. Monday at Reece Funeral Home; Gary Reeves officiating. Burial will be in Brooks Cemetery near Hedrick. Visitation will begin at 10 a.m. Sunday with the family present from 2-4 p.m. Sunday.In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorials be given to the Ecumenical Lord's Cupboard, 202 E. Fourth St., Ottumwa, Iowa 52501 or Hospice House, P.O. Box 1150, Ottumwa, Iowa 52501.Obituary may be viewed at: www.legacy.com/ottumwacourier/Obituaries.asp