Barbara R. Knecht

Barbara Ruth (Worton) Knecht, age 90, of Fall River formerly of Somerset, passed away on Friday, January 31, 2014 at Adams House in Fall River. She was the wife of the late David Richardson Knecht, Sr.

Born in Fall River, MA, she was the daughter of the late James Worton and the late Ruth F. (Middleton) Worton. She was a lifelong resident of Somerset.

Barbara attended Somerset High School where she graduated in 1940. She was a graduate of Framingham State College for Teaching, Class of 1944, and also Simmons College, Class of 1963. She served as a Home Economics Teacher at Somerset High School and Middle School for 28 years until she retired in 1975. Mrs. Knecht also started an Athletic Department for girls in the late 40’s including Girl’s Basketball, Track, and Cheerleading. In 1991, she was inducted into the Somerset High School Athletic Hall of Fame.

Mrs. Knecht was a member of the Congregational Christian Church of Somerset. She was also a member of Delta Kappa Gamma – Honor Society, serving as past-president of the Local Chapter during the late 1960’s, a former area Director of the Bristol County Retired Teachers Association, a member of Mass. Teachers Association as well as the Fall River Teachers Association, and a member of AARP since 1971. She loved to crochet, knit and do needlework in her spare time. After retirement, she and David were “snowbirds,” enjoying the winter seasons in Ocala, Florida and summers at Briggs Beach, Little Compton, RI

She is survived by three sons from her husband’s first marriage: William J. Knecht of New Orleans, LA, David R. Knecht, Jr. and his wife Diane of Hampden, MA and Bruce T. Knecht of New Bedford, MA and Bradenton, FL; their three grandchildren: Stephen, Jennifer and Rebecca and several nieces and nephews, and her brothers John A. Worton of Wilmington, DE and Richard F. Worton of Lincoln, RI, and their families.

She was the sister of the late 1st Lt. Robert Allen Worton of WWII U.S.A.A. Force and James H. Worton.

The family would like to extend a very special thank you to the staff at Adams House for the loving care and support Barbara has received.

Family and friends are invited to attend her Memorial Service, to be held at 2:00 PM, Saturday, March 15, at Adams House 1168 Highland Ave., Fall River. Burial is private. In lieu of flowers, donations in memory of Barbara may be sent to Adams House. Arrangements are in the care of the Waring-Sullivan Home of Memorial Tribute