Cerita Lee Knapp

Knapp, Cerita Lee, 73 was born December 15, 1938 in Morrilton, Arkansas to Ruby Lee and Roy Lee Gilley. She spent her childhood in So. Hutchinson Kansas, attended So. Hutchinson Grade School and Hutchinson High School. She was active in 4-H as a young woman, played the French horn in the marching band and enjoyed roller skating, ice skating and soft ball. Shortstop was her preferred position hence the nickname “Shorty”. Throughout high school she worked at Murray Drug behind the soda fountain to help earn her tuition toward nursing school. She traveled by freight train to Dodge City, Kansas to attend St. Mary of the Plains Nursing School completing her training at St. Joseph Hospital. She met her husband Richard L. Knapp on a blind date set up by Dick and Ann Edmiston who thought them an ideal pair. They married on June 24, 1962 and were steadfast friends for the remainder of their life together. After her career in nursing and the birth of their two children Wendi and Dana she worked beside her husband for years. With an eye for fashion she always loved shopping and enjoyed visiting with friends, playing cards with her sisters and volunteering at church. She bravely suffered more then her share of physical trials yet found her joy in the simple things, always grateful for her many friends from grade school to nurses training and the many supportive neighbors that enriched her life. Her door was always open and you could count on a good game of cards, crafts and lively conversation at the kitchen table. Reveling in her role as grandmother she read a thousand books to Evelyn, Ian and Isaac while they snuggled on her lap. Her grandchildren were the center of her universe. She was preceded in death by her parents and husband and survived by her three sisters Bonnie, Sonnie and Sherry, who were her best friends, her daughters Dana and Wendi and two sons in law Mark and Thanh. Her sisters in law faithfully called her even when they were unable to travel the distance to visit in person. Her faith and church were very important to her and we know now she is with her angels. We would like to acknowledge the generosity and grace of her caregivers towards the end of her life. Her strength of character and generosity were admired and she will be missed by many. Services to celebrate Ceritas life will be held on October 15 at 1 pm in the Chapel at East Heights United Methodist Church, 4407 E. Douglas Ave., Wichita, KS 67218-1009. Private graveside service will be held earlier that same day. In lieu of flowers donations may be made to East Heights United Methodist the Open Door at 4407 E. Douglas Ave. Wichita, KS 67218-1009 and Hospice Care of Kansas, 2622 W Central, Suite 501, Wichita, KS 67203.