Frances Kay Knuckles

February 12, 1947 – June 5, 2025

Frances Kay Knuckles, affectionately known as “Frankie” to her friends and loved ones, passed away peacefully on June 5, 2025, in Atascadero, California, surrounded by family and friends. She was 78 years old.

Frankie was born on February 12, 1947, in Cleveland, Ohio. She spent her early years in the Cleveland area alongside her two sisters, Deanna and Bonnie, and parents before the family relocated to the San Fernando Valley in Southern California. She graduated from Canoga Park High School, where she developed lifelong friendships and a passion for music and community service. Frankie was an enthusiastic member of the Rainbow Girls, played the accordion, and was an avid square dancer.

It was during one of her many social activities that she met the love of her life, William Bruce Knuckles. The two married in 1964 and shared nearly 58 wonderful years of marriage before Bruce’s passing in 2021. That same year, they welcomed twin sons, Steve and Scott, beginning a lifetime of love and dedication as a mother and homemaker.

In the early 1970s, the Knuckles family moved to Orange, California, where Frankie volunteered as a school librarian and worked as a bookkeeper for Kmart and Mark C. Bloom. In 1979, they settled permanently in Atascadero, California, where Frankie became a vital part of the community through her more than 30 years of service at Arbor Tree Surgery.

In 1981, Frankie joined the Beta Sigma Phi sorority, where she held numerous leadership roles including President, Vice President, Secretary, and Treasurer. Within the Pacific California Council, she also served as directory chairman, and registrar. Her commitment and contributions were recognized with the prestigious Master Degree, Order of the Rose, and Silver Circle honors.

Frankie was also an active supporter of the American Lupus Society and a proud member of the Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR), where she shared her love of heritage and service with her sister Deanna and cousin Phyllis.

Frankie will be remembered for her creativity, warmth, and generosity. She delighted in crafting handmade blankets for every grandchild and great-grandchild, and she cherished hosting joyful holiday gatherings filled with love, laughter, and family traditions.

She was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Bruce Knuckles; her parents, Elliot Longwell and Virginia Longwell; her sister, Bonnie Nelson, and her in-laws, William Knuckles and Letty Knuckles.

Frankie is survived by her sons, Steven Knuckles (Deanne Knuckles) and Scott Knuckles (Karla Knuckles); her sister, Deanna Kirchner (Ed Kirchner) and her brother-in-law, Ronald Knuckles (Martha Knuckles). She also leaves behind four grandchildren—Tanner Knuckles (Christina Knuckles), Trevor Knuckles (Nicole Knuckles), Logan Knuckles, and Reanne Brandt (Justin Dutta)—and six great-grandchildren—Bailey Knuckles, James Knuckles, Isabel Knuckles, Avaye Pradhan, Rhys Dutta, and Olivia Dutta. Additionally, she also leaves behind many cousins, nieces, nephews, and friends.

Frankie’s strength, humor, and unwavering devotion to family and community will live on in the hearts of all who knew and loved her.

A graveside burial service will be held at Pine Mountain Cemetery, Atascadero, CA on Thursday, June 19, 2025, at 11:00 am. This will be followed by a reception and Celebration of Life at the SpringHill Suites, 900 El Camino Real, Atascadero, CA.