Katie Knowles

Katie Eugenia Stith Knowles, 97, passed away on Monday, April 3, 2017. Katie was born on March 13, 1920 in Tulia, Texas to Eugene Webster Stith and Mary Catherine Street Stith. She was immensely proud of her early years as a farm girl in the remote Texas Panhandle. After graduating from high school in Tulia she attended West Texas State Normal College in Canyon, earning a Science Degree in Home Economics and Chemistry.  She taught at numerous grade levels in the Lubbock area before moving to Austin, TX where she continued to teach, ultimately earning a Master’s Degree in Education from The University of Texas and transitioning to the role of School Librarian.

She married Philip S. Knowles of Elgin, TX, a Ceramic Engineer at Elgin Butler Brick Company.  She transferred to the Elgin School District where she was the Librarian for Elgin High School and held this position until her retirement in 1981 after more than 40 years in public education.  She was very proud of her many decades of educating children and was greatly beloved by many of her students. Katie and Philip were very active in the First United Methodist Church of Elgin, and the community of Elgin. They worked tirelessly to start the first public library in Elgin in 1986 and played a major role in the development of the new Elgin Public Library and Civic Center.

Katie was preceded in death by her husband Philip who passed away on July 30, 2010. Her sole sibling, Dr. Lee Stith of Tucson, AZ passed away in September 2007.

Katie is survived by her son Philip S. Knowles, Jr. and wife Annette of Austin; and her daughter, Mary Anne Tatum and husband Len of Copperas Cove, TX. Other survivors include her niece Peggy Lee Stith of Tucson. Her grandchildren are Rachael Knowles, Kevin and Cliff Sanchez, Chip and Laura Tatum. Her great-grandchildren are Alex, Analisa, and Aliana Sanchez; Hannah Tatum, and Isabelle and Charlotte Sanchez. Her great-great grandson is A.J. Sanchez. Adored mother, grandmother and friend, Katie will be remembered for her joy of life, unwavering faith, selfless service and deep love for her family and friends.

A memorial service celebrating Katie's life will be conducted at the First United Methodist Church of Elgin at 2:00 PM Saturday, April 8 ^th , with the Reverend Samuel Blanco officiating. Interment in the Elgin Cemetery will be private.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to the ‘Drive a Senior Program’ in Elgin (driveasenior.org) PO Box 2368. Elgin, TX 78621 or The First United Methodist Church of Elgin at 216 W. 3 ^rd Street, Elgin, TX 78621.