Mary Leona Knotts

Mary was born on 6 March 1938 in Brownsville, Pennsylvania. She was baptized on 9 April 1939 in the First Presbyterian Church in Masontown, Pennsylvania. She passed to her Lord on 30 September 2026 in Thousand Oaks, California.

Mary graduated with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Home Economics from the Penn State University, where she was an active member of the Phi Mu Fraternity. After graduation, she began her career in community services as the Youth Program Director at the YWCA in Johnstown, PA.

On 8 April 1961 she was rescued from civilian life by Jerry Knotts. They were married in the Presbyterian Church in Johnstown, Pennsylvania. Their Honeymoon was spent driving to their first military assignment, Navigator training at James Connally AFB, Waco Texas.

For 24 years, Mary was a tolerant Air Force officer’s wife and survived 17 military moves. In April, 1984, after Jerry’s retirement at Andrews AFB, Maryland, they moved to Thousand Oaks, CA. There she built her real civilian life.

Mary was a dedicated community leader and active member of several organizations. She was a Past Regent of the Conejo Valley Chapter, Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR).

Mary was a key figure in the local historical community. She served as Vice President, Conejo Valley Historical Society and managed the Stagecoach Inn Museum Gift Shop for many years. Mary was recognized by the Conejo Valley Historical Society and named Dona Triunfo for her outstanding service.

She served as an officer of the Community Leader’s Club at California Lutheran University and in 1996, received the William H. Hamm Outstanding Service Award.

Mary became a Perpetual Member of the Military Order of the World Wars (MOWW) in 1994.

Years ago, at one time in the history of Headquarters MOWW, Mary assisted quite effectively. We had to reorganize a group that had been financially supporting our nationwide Youth Leadership Conferences. The new organization needed to be reincorporated, therefore a new corporate name. Mary suggested “YOUTH

LEADERSHIP FOUNDATION (YEF)”. This was immediately adopted and YEF remains today.

Mary always played a significant role in planning and creating 21 annual Conejo Valley Chapter MOWW Red, White and Blue Ball events at the Ronald Reagan Presidential Library.

In addition to her professional accomplishments, Mary has been married for 65 years to her husband, Jerry, and they have a daughter, Stephanie.

Her commitment to community service, education, and family underscores her prior role as a passionate and dedicated leader in her field.

Please watch DIGNITYMEMORIAL.COM FOR MORE DETAILS.