RANTOUL, Ill. – Maris Ann Knox Kneeland, 80, Dewey, Ill., passed away in the early morning hours of Wednesday, Jan. 22, 2020, at her home, surrounded by family.
She was born on June 11, 1939, to Alvin Florence Hieser Knox, in Dewey, Ill. She started school in Fisher Grade School, graduated from Fisher High School and majored in music at Goshen College. She later earned her master’s degree in education.
She started teaching at Milford Grade School. While teaching music in Milford, she met and married Justin Kneeland on Dec. 22, 1963, at the East Bend Mennonite Church, Dewey, Ill.
She is survived by her husband, Justin, of Dewey, Ill.; two children: Monique (Derek) Anderson, of Owings, Md.; and Justin (Irina) Kneeland, of Paddock Lake, Wis.; a brother, Larry (Priscilla) Knox, of Champaign, Ill.; three sisters: Janet (Joe) Landis, of Harleysville, Pa.; and Lillian Knox and Jane Knox, both of Wheaton, Ill.; and four grandchildren: Emily, Joshua, Michael and Nicholas.
She was preceded in death by her parents.
Maris surrounded herself with music. She loved teaching music to children and used her talents in every area they lived. She was also involved in the music at her church.
Graveside services will be at 1 p.m. the following Saturday, Feb. 1 at the Stoneypoint Cemetery in Etna Green.
Lux Memorial Chapel, Rantoul, Ill., is handling the arrangements.
