Lillian Anna Knoska

Oct. 8, 1920 - July 14, 2010
DECATUR - Lillian was born in Chicago on Oct. 8, 1920 to Joseph and Suzanna Barica. She grew up in Chicago, graduated from Farragut High School and worked for the Spiegel Co. after graduation. She was united in marriage to Emil Knoska on March 20, 1943. Lillian and Emil moved to Decatur, MI, in 1946 when he returned from the war. Emil worked in the post office and ran the family farm. Lillian assisted with the farming operation and kept meticulous books, raised three children, and volunteered with numerous organizations. She was an elder of the First Presbyterian Church of Decatur, member of the church choir, founding member of the VFW Ladies Auxilary, member of the Decatur Study Club, Decatur Dance Club, Band Boostes, PTA, Order of Eastern Star Library Board, and Cancer Society. Lillian and Emil also sold their homegrown asparagus at the South Bend Farmer's Market from 1975-1992. Emil was a board member of the then Fruit Belt Electric Cooperative for 31 years and both he and Lillian participated in activities related to his position on the board. Lillian is survived by three children, Emil Robert of Romeo, MI, Sue (Mike) Glenn of Galesburg, MI and Elaine (Jacque) Hovenkamp of Decatur. She also had two grandchildren, Ashley Hovenkamp of Raleigh, NC and Robert Hovenkamp of Decatur; a sister-in-law, Helen Conway of Crossville, TN; as well as many loving nieces and nephews who also survive. Lillian passed away Wednesday, July 14, 2010, in Bronson Nursing and Rehabilitation Center, Lawton, where she had resided since March of 2010. Previously she had lived at White Oaks Assisted Living in Lawton following a series of strokes in 2008. She was preceded in death by her husband of 51 years, Emil in 1994; her sister, Emily Knoska and brother-in-law, Edward; her brother, Joseph and his wife, Ann; brother-in-law, John Knoska and wife, Lillian, brother-in-law, Thomas Conway and daughter-in-law, Karen Knoska. A memorial service celebrating her life will be held in the First Presbyterian Church of Decatur on Sunday, July 18, 2010 at 2 p.m. Friends may call in the church from 12:30 p.m. to 2 p.m. that day. A luncheon will be held in the church following the service and interment at Lakeside Cemetery, Decatur. Memorials can be made to the First Presbyterian Church of Decatur, Hospice of Southwest Michigan or the American Cancer Society. Arrangements by Newell Funeral Home, Decatur.