Stephen Lee and Mary Lou (Wally) Knowles

Stephen L. and Mary Lou Knowles of Fairfield Glade, TN were separated by death just days before their 75th wedding anniversary.

Mary Lou passed away on October 22, 2022, at Uplands Village in Pleasant Hill, TN. She was 95 years of age and had been diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease three years prior to her death. Stephen died April 29, 2023, at Good Samaritan long-term care facility in Fairfield Glade, TN. He passed gracefully at age 97 just 6 months after Mary Lou his first and forever love.

They were both born at Summit County Hospital in Barberton Ohio. Stephen's birth date was December 3, 1925, and Mary Lou's was August 27, 1927. Their marriage took place on November 8, 1947 in Barberton, at St. Augustine Catholic Church.

They are survived by four children and a sibling, Lanie Wall (Roger) of Fairfield Glade, TN; Suzie Albano (David) of Bellefontaine, OH; Randy Knowles (Belen) of Fairfield Glade, TN; Steve Knowles (Lori) of Albion, PA; and a sister, Jeannie Wally Collier of Barberton, OH. The extended family included 8 grandchildren and 9 great-grandchildren.

They were preceded in death by their parents, siblings, and their grandson Barry S. Wall.

After high school, Steve was drafted into the Army and served as athletic director and medic at Brooke Army Medical Center in Fort Sam Houston. His relationship with his high school sweetheart was rekindled through the letters they exchanged during the Army years. They were married shortly after his return in 1947. Mary Lou was a busy mom and homemaker with four children in the following six years.

Steve worked in the rubber industry and after 9 years took a better position at General Tire. The family moved to Wabash, Indiana, and thrived in the small town. After 10 years they returned to Ohio, first to Shelby then on to Geneva which became their home for the next 20 years. Mary Lou's love of books and reading led her to Assumption Catholic School where she served as the school librarian until her retirement in 1987. Steve, along with Bob Jessup, and Ric Selip, formed their own company in 1976 called Grand River Rubber and Plastics. Under his leadership, the company grew and expanded, allowing Steve to retire from his role as General Manager and President in 1987.

Knowing they would eventually leave the "Snow Belt" of Ohio for the South's warmer winters, they purchased and remodeled a fixer-upper cottage on Lake Erie. Steve and friends did the remodel and Mary Lou worked her decorator's magic to add the charm. The small vacation community of Geneva-on-the-Lake provided a wonderful summer destination for family members both old and young. For almost 20 years they traveled back to their roots in Ohio to enjoy Lake Erie and the friendships they left behind.

In 1988 their final move to Fairfield Glade was everything they hoped retirement would be. Steve loved the opportunities for tennis, golf, and fishing, as well as the free time for woodworking. Mary Lou joined and enjoyed groups for tennis, golf, books, Bible studies, sewing, quilting, rug hooking, and knitting. She belonged to social groups both large and small and was always willing to serve, bake, and volunteer.

Their lives were truly blessed, they were loved and loved in return!

As long-time members of St Francis of Assisi Catholic Church in Fairfield Glade, a Memorial Service and Celebration of their 75-year Marriage is planned for Friday, July 14th at 10:00 AM. A time of visitation with the family will begin at 9:00 AM.

In lieu of Flowers, the family requests donations to Cumberland House Hospice Auxiliary, P.O. 1943, Crossville, TN 38558; or The Alzheimer's Association (alz.org)