Princeville – Mary Alice Knobloch, 76, of Princeville, passed away at 11:20 p.m. Friday, August 30, 2024, at OSF St. Francis Medical Center in Peoria. Mary was born March 22, 1948, in Monmouth to Eugene J. and Jennie L. (Johnson) Flake.

On March 14, 1980, she married her cherished life partner, Gerald "Jerry" Knobloch; he survives. Also surviving are their two children, Ryan Knobloch and his wife Jennie, of Bloomington; and Ann Jacott and her husband Tom, of Skokie. Her greatest joy came from family and she took immense pride in being Grandma to four grandchildren: Hayden, Harper, and Henry Knobloch, and Adalyn Jacott. She is survived by one sister, Jeanine Flake of Ocean Springs, MS. She was preceded in death by her parents; one brother, Neal Flake; and one brother-in-law, Kenneth Boemker.

Mary attended Illinois State University and Northern Arizona University, where she laid the foundation for a career in education and community service. Her professional teaching journey took her to a Navajo Indian Reservation in Arizona and then to Wyoming Grade School, where she touched many lives and made lifelong friendships.

She valued the importance of education by tutoring and volunteering at school and in the community. Known for her giving nature and creativity, Mary approached life with a sense of humor and a touch of mischief. Her impeccable tidiness reflected her desire to maintain a welcome home for everyone who visited. Jerry and Mary spent 17 years wintering in Phoenix together and enjoyed being outside in warmer weather. Mary is remembered for her steadfast loyalty to her students, and above all else, her love for family, friends, and neighbors.

A celebration of life service will be held at 11:00 a.m. Monday, September 9, 2024, at the Princeville United Methodist Church. Rev. David Pyell will officiate. A gathering will follow until 1:00 p.m. at the church. A private burial will be in the Apostolic Christian Church Cemetery in Princeville. Haskell Funeral & Cremation Services in Princeville is assisting with the arrangements.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to St. Jude Children's Hospital.