Margaret Magness

It is with great sorrow that we report the passing of our beloved mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother, Margaret Jean Knabb Magness, 103, of North Apollo, on Thursday, Oct. 2, 2025. She was born in Vandergrift to the late James J. and Margaret (Robinson) Knabb. Jean was very proud of her pioneer grandparents, John Calvin and Emmaline Matson Knabb, who built many homes in Vandergrift and owned the land the Kiski Area High School occupies. Jean lived in the area all her life, graduated from Vandergrift High School in 1940, and lived in North Apollo since 1953. She was a lifelong member of the First United Methodist Church of Vandergrift and a member of the Community Workers Class. During World War II, she worked at Carnegie Illinois Steel in the Billing Department, then later at G.C. Murphy Company, Union National Bank as a teller, and Welsh Printing Company as a secretary. Jean enjoyed family activities, reading, crafts, and playing cards with her two long-standing card clubs. Since 1970, she has looked forward to the weekly Knabb family lunch every Thursday. She was a loving, family-oriented person who held her family as the most precious thing in her life. She is survived by three daughters, Robin Rearick of North Apollo, Denise Lamison of Apollo, and Judith (Randall) Erwin of Chillicothe, OH. Five granddaughters, Nadine (Eric) Shaffer, Erin Razpotnik, Dulcy Zeneski, Shelby Doyle (Michael Vrotney), and Cassie Lamison. Two grandsons, Colin Rearick and Jessie (Malisa) Lamison. Two step-grandsons, Dr. Sean Erwin and John Erwin. 15 great- grandchildren: McKinley Flickinger Jr., Katherine and Elizabeth Shaffer, Madeline (Charlotte) Getz, Skyleigh, Arianna and Conrad Lamison, Connor Rearick, Cara and Colin Doyle, Elijah, Luke, Zachary, and Jonah Zeneski, and Zeppelin Tierney. Jean was preceded in death by her parents; her beloved husband, Robert L. Magness; brothers, John T. Knabb and James W. Knabb; and sisters, Virginia Castle, Pauline Stewart, and Mary Beck. Family and friends will be received from 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 p.m. on Monday, Oct. 6, 2025, in DUNMIRE-KERR & ROWE FUNERAL HOME INC., 244 Franklin Ave., Vandergrift, where services will be held at 11 a.m. on Tuesday, Oct. 7, 2025, with Pastor Sara Wrona officiating. Burial will be in Greenwood Memorial Park, Lower Burrell. If desired, memorial contributions in Jean's memory may be made to First United Methodist Church, 134 Custer Ave., Vandergrift, PA 15690, or Apollo Area Meals on Wheels, PO Box 275, Apollo, PA 15613.