Avonne Lee Knecht, 96, of North Manchester, Indiana, died at 4:30 am, Monday, December 7, 2020 at the home of her granddaughter, Jennifer Elliott, in Huntington, Indiana. She was born May 9, 1924 in Liberty Mills, Indiana, to Leo Franklin and Elsie Anna (Krichbaum) Reed.
Avonne Lee was a 1942 graduate of Chester High School. She married Eldon Howard Knecht in Huntington on November 21, 1942; he died January 16, 2010. Avonne Lee was a beautician for 75 years, before retiring at the age of 94. She worked from her home until 1977 when she began managing the Timbercrest Beauty Shop, where she worked for the next 40 years. The beauty shop was where she felt most at home. She loved helping others feel good about themselves. Her motto was, “Keep everything positive and don’t repeat the negative!”
Avonne Lee was a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints in Huntington for over 40 years, where she served in many ways. She was a leader of women and admired by all. She loved music and served in many positions involving church choirs and planning musical programs. She was able to inspire and encourage others simply by loving them.
In early married years, Avonne Lee attended St. John’s United Church of Christ in Bippus, Indiana, where she led young children and youth to love Jesus. She touched the lives of many. Throughout her life she was involved in Church Women United, Fellowship of Churches, the Angel Tree Project, Partners in Prayer, Caring Women, and Camp Farthest Out. She was also a member of the Daughters of the American Revolution, and the Chapel Committee at Timbercrest Senior Living Community. In 2010, Church Women United recognized Avonne Lee as a “Valiant Woman” for the kindness and compassion she had given throughout her life. She also planned and executed many community “Hymn Fests” during the annual Fun Fest in North Manchester.
Avonne Lee loved her family and enjoyed being together. The tradition of going to Pt. Betsie, Michigan every summer was a special family time for her. Singing as a family was her favorite evening activity. O Be Joyful and How Great Thou Art were her favorites! She loved nature and all of God’s creations..
She is survived by four children, Scott A. (Kathy) Knecht, Lon E. (Debbie) Knecht, and Jon R. (Linda) Knecht, all of Huntington, and Vicki L. (Christy Dowling) Knecht of Brighton, Colorado; fourteen grandchildren, Kelly (Bill) Inderlied and Kari (Joe) Pence, both of Huntington, Scott Spencer of Bristol, Indiana, Alicia Knecht of San Antonio, Texas, Brandon (Heather) Knecht of Roanoke, Indiana, Adam (Danielle) Knecht of Las Vegas, Nevada, Christina Thomson of Huntington, Peter (Amber) Knecht of Highland, Utah, Matthew (Erica) Knecht of Albany, Oregon, Jon Aaron (Christine) Knecht of Fort Wayne, Indiana, Jennifer (Jason) Elliott of Huntington, Laura (Benjamin) Stearns of Monticello, Utah, David (Hannah) Knecht of Peyton, Colorado, and Benjamin (Aubrey) Knecht of Eagle Mountain, Utah, 44 great grandchildren, and her sister, Marceleen Anna Nunemaker of South Bend, Indiana. She was also preceded in death by her parents, and her brother, Billy Jim Reed.
Private services will be held at Grandstaff-Hentgen Bender Chapel, 207 W. Main St., North Manchester. Burial will be in Fairview Cemetery, Servia.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Friends of Point Betsie, P.O. Box 601, Frankfort, MI 49635-0601; online at www.pointbetsie.org or Acres Incorporated, 1802 Chapman Road, Huntertown, IN 46748; online at www.acreslandtrust.org.
The memorial guest book for Avonne Lee may be signed at www.grandstaff-hentgen.com.