Patricia Anne Knop

KNOP, PATRICIA A., 90, of Dayton, Ohio (formerly of Flint, Michigan; East Tawas, Michigan; and St. Petersburg, Florida) passed away Monday, January 18, 2016, at Bethany Village in Dayton. She was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, homemaker, community volunteer, and parishioner of Church of the Incarnation, Dayton, Ohio. Patricia (Pat) was born May 21, 1925, in Flint, Michigan, the daughter of the late Lynn D. and Mary B. (Trimble) Parker. She married Robert J. Knop on April 17, 1947, in Flint, Michigan, and together they celebrated 68 years of marriage. Pat will be remembered best for her outgoing spirit and vigor for life. Always a social butterfly, she hosted magnificent parties for family and friends. She served as her daughters’ Girl Scout Troop leader for many years, was active at St. Luke’s Parish and School in Flint, Michigan, and embraced every opportunity to help her neighbors, even starting a Diet Workshop in the Flint area. An arts enthusiast, she delighted in sewing, knitting, and needlepoint, as well as painting pottery and playing the organ. From her youth through her golden years, Pat was a tremendous athlete, participating in winning golf groups, bridge clubs, and bowling leagues. In particular she loved to travel, visiting Alaska, Ireland, China, and many other world sights throughout her life. Following retirement, Pat, her husband, and their treasured schnauzer split their time as snowbirds between homes in East Tawas, Michigan, and St. Petersburg, Florida. Pat loved the warm summer breezes on Lake Huron, and in the winter she adored Florida citrus, making delicious marmalade to share with family and friends. Pat is survived by her beloved husband, Robert, and cherished daughters: Mary N. (Daniel) Tankersley of Dayton, Ohio; Kathlynn M. (Matthew) Parkhurst of Lake City, Michigan; Pamela A. (Dr. F. Richard) Olenchak of The Woodlands, Texas. She also leaves behind five grandchildren: Robert J. (Shannon) Tankersley; Christopher A. Tankersley; James F. (Carmen) Parkhurst; Andrew N. (Heather) Parkhurst; Lawren E. (Dr. Jamin) Bercaw; as well as seven great-grandchildren: Gabriel Tankersley; Gabrielle and Matthew Parkhurst; Aurora, Glen, and Hunter Parkhurst; and Albrecht Bercaw. She was preceded in death by her brother, Lynn F. Parker, and a granddaughter, Kristi Lynn Olenchak. Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at10:30am on February 6, 2016, at Church of the Incarnation, 7415 Far Hills Ave., Dayton, OH 45459. For those who wish to honor Pat’s life, contributions may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association or Hospice of Dayton. Condolences may be sent to www.tobiasfuneralhome.com.