Mary Ann Knowles

Mary Ann Knowles, 92, of La Monte, MO, passed away on Friday, September 20, 2024, at her home. She was born on June 11, 1932, in Kansas City, MO, the daughter of Edward Austin Steen and Rose Margaret (Brown) Steen, who preceded her in death.

On June 21, 1985, in Miami, OK, she was united in marriage to Ollie Grover Knowles, who resides in the home.

Mary Ann graduated from St. Mary's Catholic School in Kansas City, MO, in 1950. In 1969, she received her associate degree in nursing from San Jacinto College in Banning, CA. She worked as an LVN at San Gorgonio Pass Hospital in Banning, CA. In 1970, she moved to Missouri and worked as an emergency room nurse for the Medical Center of Independence. Later, Mary Ann worked for Truman Medical Center Lakewood. She retired from nursing in 2008 at the age of 78. Mary Ann always said, "Nursing wasn't just an occupation; it was my life."

Mary Ann was a member of the Church of Christ in East Independence, MO, where she was baptized in 1971. She enjoyed sewing, gardening, and cooking. She especially loved going to the lake with her husband at their lake home, where they enjoyed time together with family, boating, and fishing. At her current home, she enjoyed time with her two house cats, Tommy and Jerry.

In addition to her husband, Mary is survived by three children, Teresa Ann King, of Springfield, MO, Vivian Lynn Maples, of La Monte, MO, and Curtis Max Raney, Sr. (Yvonne), of Ocean Side, CA.; a step-son, Jammie Knowles (Carrie) of Mims, FL; a stepdaughter, Tammy Frazier of Kansas City, MO; 24 grandchildren; numerous great and great-great grandchildren; and numerous, nieces, nephews, and cousins.

In addition to her parents, Mary was preceded in death by two children, Mark Steven Raney and Louis Edward Raney, and one grandchild, Brandon.

A memorial service will be held at 11:00 a.m. Monday, September 30, 2024, at Rea Funeral Chapel with Robert Jones officiating.

The family will receive friends from 10:00 a.m. until service time at the funeral home.