Upcoming Events
Nov
8
Services provided by
Whitney & Murphy Funeral HomeOnly 4 days left for delivery to next service.
Maria Knebel Obituary
Maria was born on December 11, 1947, in Silver City, New Mexico. She graduated from Cobre High School in 1965 and soon after moved to Washington, D.C., where she began her career at the Federal Bureau of Investigation. Not long after, she transferred to the Phoenix office, where she trained as a paralegal specialist in forfeiture.
In Phoenix, Maria met her husband, William, and together they raised their family on Palm Lane in downtown Phoenix. Their home quickly became a gathering place for neighbors, family, and friends—always filled with delicious home-cooked meals and lively conversation.
Maria was deeply devoted to her daughters. She volunteered often at their schools and at their family parish, St. Mary’s Basilica. After 30 years of service, she retired from the FBI in 2008. She went on to found the Phoenix chapter of The Society of Former Women of the FBI (later renamed The Society of FBI Alumni) and chaired the group for many years.
A gifted seamstress and quilter, Maria never met a craft she couldn’t master—from crocheting to card making. After retirement, she continued her passion for service by volunteering with the Questers, researching and preserving Arizona history. She also remained active as chair of the Phoenix FBI Alumni group.
Maria found joy in walking her beloved dog, Oscar, around the neighborhood and catching up with neighbors on her block. She treasured her time traveling to visit her daughters and grandchildren.
She was preceded in death by her husband, William J. Knebel, and her mother, Carmen G. Barajas.
Maria is survived by her daughters, Carmen Marci Buchanan and Micaela “Kayla” Knebel; and her four grandchildren: Emilia Buchanan, William Buchanan, Luna Marie Punsal, and Arsenio Joseph Punsal.
A Funeral Mass will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Saturday, November 8, 2025, at St. Mary’s Basilica, 231 N. 3rd St., Phoenix, AZ 85004. Please RSVP is you are planning to attend:
https://www.marie2025.com/
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to:
Project Linus
Arizona Humane Society
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
People and places connected with Maria
Recent Obituaries
Recent Obituaries
Memories and Condolences
for Maria Knebel
Tell your own story about Maria
Memories and condolences can be left on the obituary at the funeral home website.
How you can show support
Make a Donation
in Maria Knebel's name
How to support Maria's loved ones
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?
What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?
We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read more
Resources to help you cope with loss
How to Cope With Grief
Information and advice to help you cope with the death of someone important to you.
Read more
Estate Settlement Guide
If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast
Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read moreWays to honor Maria Knebel's life and legacy
Obituary Examples
You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.
Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples
These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.
Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?
Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.
Read more
Upcoming Events
Nov
8
Services provided by
Whitney & Murphy Funeral HomeOnly 4 days left for delivery to next service.