Catherine Diane Knife

Catherine Diane Knife, age 61, passed away on Tuesday, December 28, 2010. She was selfless, always giving her time and love to others, with a warm hug Catherine was always willing to open her heart and her home to those in need. She was devoted to her family and friends, and she loved her grandchildren “to the moon and back.” She was born in Piqua, Ohio, on February 21, 1949, to the late Martin G. and Catherine (Loeffler) Minnich and was a graduate of Piqua Central High School. Catherine also graduated from Urbana University, and she earned a Master’s Degree in education from Ashland University. She was a teacher for Columbus City Schools for nearly 20 years, spending most of her time at Linden Elementary. She is survived by her grandchildren, Madelyn Courtney and Eli James Braun, and David Jacob and Stella Marie Knife; children, Amanda (Ian) Braun, David Jason Knife, and Joel (Emily) Knife; siblings, Martin Douglas (Carol Rhoades) Minnich, and Anne Minnich Greiner; aunt, Phyllis Jean Monroe; niece, Emmalee Greiner; nephew, Martin Derek Minnich; very close cousin, Staton Reynolds; and other family members and friends. She was preceded in death by her brother, Jeffrey Minnich; and niece, Meredith Courtney Minnich. A Memorial Service in honor of Catherine will be held at 2 p.m. on Saturday, January 8, at the First Unitarian Universalist Church, 93 W. Weisheimer Road, Columbus. In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to the Kidney Cancer Association, P.O. Box 3516, Oak Brook, IL 60522; or to Crayons4Kids, crayons4kids.org/donate. Arrangements by the Schoedinger Worthington Chapel (614) 848-6699.