Susan Lynn Smith Knowles

Mrs. Susan Lynn Smith Knowles, 61, of Morganton, passed away on Tuesday, February 16, 2021 at her residence, following a period of declining health. Susan was born September 5, 1959, in Baltimore Maryland to Ruth Gothberg and the late Ralph Smith. She was an avid gardener, an exceptional artist and a creative person who enjoyed keeping the yard full of color and the walls of the home decorated in her paintings. Susan was one of the kindest persons one would ever meet in a lifetime. She had a passion for rescuing cats; while living in California she rescued over six hundred cats and continued rescuing when she moved to Morganton through Cat's Cradle. She loved playing games with her family and found the best dance partner in her husband. In addition to her mother, Ruth Smith of Naples, FL; she is survived by her husband and best friend of forty years, Michael Knowles of the home; sons, Bryan Knowles and wife Sara of Oak Park, IL, and Dr. Kevin C. Knowles and wife Dr. Erin Warford of Buffalo, NY; brother, Chris Smith and wife Riachel of Naples, FL; and sister, Julia Smith Halden Wysocki and husband Joe of Chicago, IL. Also surviving are her nephew, Tom Halden; and niece Susan Halden Carroll and many close friends that she made throughout her lifetime that became like family. Memorials may be made to Cat's Cradle at PO Box 1915, Morganton, NC 28680 or to Burke Hospice and Palliative Care at 1721 Enon Rd., Valdese, NC 28690. An online memorial service will be held by her family at a later date. An online guestbook and obituary is available at www.heritagefuneralservices.com Heritage Funeral Service & Crematory of Valdese is serving the family.