Mary Louise "Libby" Knauer

Mary Louise "Libby" Knauer of Yakima passed away the evening of October 24, 2012 at home with family at her side. Libby was born September 6, 1924 to Clifford & Louise Lebacken in Grand Forks, North Dakota.

Libby was a graduate of the University of North Dakota. In 1969 Libby with husband Jacque and three sons moved from Freemont, California to Yakima, Washington. Shortly after, Libby began teaching kindergarten at Gilbert Elementary School in Yakima. Children and education were a primary focus for Libby throughout her life.

Upon retirement, Libby spent many wonderful years enjoying her time with family & friends, dancing, entertaining and spending time around the swimming pool. Libby and longtime companion, Larry Dobbs, enjoyed traveling throughout the world, including trips to Greece, Turkey, Caribbean, Mediterranean, Panama Canal, Mexico and Hawaii.

Libby is survived by two sons, Gary (Diane) of Selah, WA and Steven (Pam) of Gig Harbor, WA, grandchildren Angi, Joe, Michelle, Sara, Emily, Parker and 5 great grandchildren.

Libby was preceded in death by her husband Jacque, son Jeffery and parents Clifford and Mary Louise Lebacken and companion Lauren “Larry” Dobbs.

In lieu of flowers donations can be made to the Alzheimer’s Foundation of America and the Macular Degeneration Association. Special thanks are extended to Robin, Mary, Michelle, and Kim for taking such wonderful care of mom.

A Memorial Service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, November 3, 2012 at Keith & Keith Ninth Ave Chapel. To share a memory of Libby, visit www.keithandkeith.com.