Anabel Woodhead Knapp - McLouth High School Class of 1950

Anabel Knapp, age 86 passed away on July 28th 2017 at Medicalodge Nursing Home in Independence KS. Anabel was born on June 5th, 1931 at her home in McLouth KS. She was one of six children of Matt and Devena Woodhead of McLouth. 
Anabel attended Elementary and High School in McLouth KS and graduated from High School in 1950. She went to work at the Bank of McLouth after graduating. 
She was united in marriage to Wayne Knapp at the McLouth United Methodist Church on September 28, 1952. They were married for 62 years before Wayne's passing in March of 2015. 
Anabel was a farmer's wife and child care provider all of her life. She and her family were actively involved in the Leavenworth County 4-H program and members of the Bell 4-H Club. 
She was a lifelong and very active member of the McLouth United Methodist Church. She loved being around her family, the babysitting kids and she also loved cooking and gardening. 
Anabel was preceded in death by three sisters and one brother. She is survived by her four children: Estal Knapp and his wife Judy of Severy, KS, Connie Knapp of Pittsburg KS, Debbie Tindle and her husband Terry of Fredonia KS and Kirk Knapp of Easton KS. She had seven grandchildren: Arlin Knapp, Anna Knapp, Shelia Huntington, Shonna Rexroat, Ryan Tindle, Shannon Tindle and Austin Knapp. She also has eight great-grand children. She is also survived by one brother Marlin Woodhead of Lenexa KS. 
The family will receive friends from 6 to 8 p.m. on Wednesday, August 2, 2017 at the Davis Funeral Chapel, Leavenworth, KS. The funeral will be at 10:00 am on Thursday August 3, 2017 at the McLouth United Methodist Church, McLouth KS.  Burial will be at the Sunset Memorial Garden Cemetery, Leavenworth KS. Memorial contributions may be given to the McLouth United Methodist Church in McLouth, KS 66054. 
Condolences may be left in Anabel's Online Guestbook.

My sweet Mother Anabel Knapp went to heaven Friday evening about 9:00. She was the kindest, sweetest, hardest working person that I knew. She had to suffer with dementia the past few years but is finally at peace. It's been so hard to see her suffer especially the past 10 days. Estal and I were with her tonight till she took her last breath. Now she and Dad are together again. 
Debbie Tindle

Together ♥♥♥ Forever

Wayne Knapp was the only son of Mike and Marie Knapp of Easton, Kansas. His wife of 62 years, Anabel and four children survive Wayne. Estal Knapp and his wife Judy of Severy, KS, Connie Knapp living at Shields Adult Care center in Pittsburg, KS, Debbie Tindle and her husband Terry of Fredonia, KS and Kirk Knapp of Meriden KS. He is also survived by seven grandchildren: Arlin Knapp, Anna Knapp, Shelia Huntington, Shonna Rexroat, Ryan Tindle, Shannon Tindle, Austin Knapp. There are also 7 great- grandchildren: Justin, Gabe and Gray Knapp, Kyle and Brittney Huntington, Daniel Tindle and Carter Rexroat-Hett. 
Wayne was born Saturday, April 9, 1927 at 9:00 PM. It rained all day and the creek was out, which prevented his father from returning home. His father stayed with his parents at 902 N. Broadway. Wayne was among the last of the babies born in the old Cushing Hospital. The new hospital was being built during this time. He later remembered seeing the old hospital in shambles. It stood where the new wing on the west side and parking lot are today. 
He graduated from Stony Point grade school, district 70, in 1940 and from Leavenworth Senior High School in 1947. Later he graduated from Atchison Co. Vocational Tech from the “Body and Fender” program in the class of 1975. After graduation, Wayne continued to work on the farm with his father and had a father-son partnership. When his father reached retirement age, he stepped back and let Wayne continue the farming operation. 
Wayne enjoyed farming, and with the experience gained from vocational technical college, he was able to work with farm machinery. He bought wrecked, burned, and junked items to rebuild them and use them on the farm. He enjoyed working on large trucks and later sold them for added farm income. He always had something in the shop to work on during rainy days and winter months. 
He was a member of the McLouth Methodist Church, joining the same day he was married Anabel.  They were united in marriage September 28, 1952 in an evening service.  Wayne and Anabel have attended this church since their marriage and have had nearly perfect attendance for the last twenty years. Two of their children were also married in McLouth Methodist Church. He served on many boards in the church, including the board of administration. He also ushered in the church for the last 45 years. From late 1967 to 1970, he was the Sunday school superintendent. Later, Wayne was a Sunday school teacher for the high school class until his oldest son (Estal) came into the class. He resigned, giving the reason that “Estal had enough of his dad at home.” 
Wayne served as a board member on the Extension Council, Big Stronger Watershed, and the Leavenworth County Farm Bureau. On July 22, 2008, he was awarded a plaque for being a member for 60 years. His father, Mike, also received a 60 year membership plaque many years before. 
He was one of five to be elected to Leavenworth County Co-op board of directors and was secretary to the board until he was replaced at annual elections. He was the last living board member of the original five members. 
Wayne joined the Springdale Sunshine 4-H club when he became of age. Due to war and gas rationing, the club disbanded for a few years. Later, his cousin Herb organized a new club and called it “Bell”. Meetings were held in the old Bell school on 92 highway and became known as the “Bell 4-H club.” Later, meetings were held in member’s homes. This club still meets today. After Herb became older and not eligible to be a 4-H member, Wayne was elected to be president of the club and held this position until he was too old to participate. During this time a Leavenworth 4-H council was formed of all 4-H clubs in Leavenworth County. He was elected president of the council. 
Wayne was preceded in death by his parents Mike and Marie Knapp. 
He will be buried at Sunset Memorial Garden.