Joan Knauss

Mrs. Joan Marie Knauss of Constantine, MI, age 85, passed away peacefully on July 5, 2017 at Three Rivers Health surrounded by her family's love. She was born in Kalamazoo, Michigan on November 3, 1931 to Clair B. Gibbs and Lucille M. Gibbs. On April 12, 1951, she married the love of her life, Donald C. Knauss. During their 66 years of marriage, Joan was a hard-working homemaker and an exceptional mother and grandmother. She loved babies and cared not only for her own five daughters but for many others over the years. She enjoyed camping trips, the lakeshore, gardening and spending time with family.Joan is survived by her husband, five daughters and their families. Daughters: Marcia (Dennis) Nolen, Peggy (Terry) Ware, Lori (Eric) Roberts, Julie (William) Steele, Connie Roberts. Grandchildren: Franz Nothdurft III (Terri Kauffman), August Nothdurft, Joshua Ware, Tyler Roberts, Hannah Roberts, Michelle (Brad) MacDonald, Lily Steele, Chad Steele, Fawn (Matthew) Bussler, Meagan Roberts, Evan Roberts. Great-grandchildren: Branden VanZile, Lucas Reyna, Olivia Bussler and baby Bussler due this fall. Siblings: Clair G. Gibbs, Richard Gibbs, Ruth Mawhiney, David Gibbs. Preceded in death by sisters Geraldine Emmons and Caroline Knauss.Cremation has taken place. A gathering to honor and remember Joan will be held Sunday, July 23, 2017 from 1-4 pm at Krider World's Fair Garden, 302 Bristol Ave. (CR 8) Middlebury, Indiana. A light meal will be served.