LaDeane "Deanie" Knapp

LaDeane "Deanie" Knapp, age 82, of Apple Creek, formerly of Dalton, passed away peacefully on Monday, September 29, 2025, at The Avenue in Wooster, following a period of declining health.
Born on July 18, 1943, in Massillon, Ohio, Deanie was the daughter of the late Dean and LaVonne (Yungen) Nussbaum. She grew up in Dalton and graduated with the Dalton High School Class of 1961.
Throughout her life, Deanie held a variety of roles that reflected her friendly and caring nature. She worked as a server at the Dalton Dariette and Keeney's Cafeteria in Wooster, did radio advertising for WWST Radio, served as a secretary for the Board of Elections, and later worked as a receptionist at Wayne County Care Center, where she eventually retired.
Deanie was a longtime, active member of the Apple Creek Lions Club and was honored as the Apple Creek Johnny Appleseed Queen. Music was one of her greatest joys, a love that began in childhood while singing alongside her father in church. She went on to share her gift of song with musical groups such as the Kin-Tones and Keepsake, continuing to lift hearts with her voice throughout her life. Above all, Deanie treasured her family and the time spent together.
She is survived by her daughter, Shelley (Alan) Adams Merriman; step-children, Susan Maston, Michael (Gloria) Knapp, David (Melody Burleson) Knapp, and Bette (Michael) DeBose; 13 grandchildren; numerous great-grandchildren; several great-great-grandchildren; siblings, Nevin (Kathleen) Nussbaum, Kathy (Tom) Hile, Wes (Donna) Nussbaum, and Robbie (Colin) Cruise; sister-in-law, Corienne Nussbaum; along with many nieces and nephews.
Deanie was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Gerald F. Knapp; her brother, Randy Nussbaum; and step-son-in-law, Wayne Maston.
Friends may call on Friday, October 3, 2025, from 9:00 to 10:45 a.m. at Dalton Presbyterian Church, 163 West Main Street, Dalton. Funeral services will follow at 11:00 a.m., with Pastor Tim Hull officiating. A private family burial will take place at St. Mary Cemetery in Wooster.
Though deeply missed, Deanie's family takes comfort in her parting words: she has "a new address at the corner of Amen Street and Hallelujah Square."