Mary Louise Knutson

A cherished wife, mother, grandmother and great-grandmother entered into rest on March 30, 2017 at Overland Park Nursing and Rehab Center. A celebration of her life will be held at Country Club Christian Church, 6101 Ward Parkway, Kansas City, Mo at 11:00 am on April 6, 2017. The family will receive friends from 10:00 until 11:00 prior to the service. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests contributions to the Mary Louise Knutson Scholarship Fund at UMKC or the organ fund of the church.

Mary Louise was born in Kansas City on Easter Sunday, April 23, 1916 to Clarence and Eva Gunn. After graduation from Paseo High School in 1933, she attended Huff’s Business College. Her extraordinary secretarial skills took her to the office of J. Edgar Hoover, Director of the FBI. There she met the love of her life, Geoffrey B. Knutson, FBI agent. They married on December 27, 1941. After six years with the FBI, Jeff resigned and they moved to his hometown of Presho, South Dakota and later to Kansas City in 1949.

Mary Louise was a devoted wife and mother of three children, always encouraging them to do their best. In her 40’s she studied music at the University of Missouri, KC and at age 50, was awarded a Bachelors Degree in music. Never believing age was a hurdle, Mary Louise obtained a Master’s Degree of Music at age 80. She loved playing the piano with friends and teaching piano students.

She enjoyed traveling, taking every opportunity to explore the land and took a two month freighter trip across the Atlantic. She also enjoyed camping in her van. Mary Louise was also known as “Pistol”, a dual reference to her maiden name and personality, as well as Grammy to her family.

Mary Louise is preceded in death by her husband, Jeff, her parents and a brother, Walter H. Gunn. She is survived by daughter, Jane (Bob), sons Bob (Debbie) and Dick (Kathy), a brother, George Gunn of Phoenix, seven grandchildren: Todd (Wendy), Kyle (Tracy), Jordan, Jennifer, Kelsey, Kathryn Anne, Connor and four great-grandchildren: Caitlin, Collin, Robbie and Juliana.

She was a long time member of Country Club Christian Church where she served as a Stephen’s Minister. She also was an active member of Mu Phi Epsilon sorority, AAUW and Former FBI Women.

Mary Louise’s family would like to thank the staff at Rose Estates and Overland Park Nursing and Rehab Center for their care.

Arrangements under the direction of Mt Moriah, Newcomer & Freeman Funeral Home, Kansas City, MO.