Bebejean Knoll, 93, passed away on Tuesday, Feb. 4, 2020 at Oak Woods Manor, La Porte, Ind. She was born on Dec. 19, 1926 in La Porte to Lester and Thelma (Hudkins) Snider.
On July 21, 1946 Bee married Richard Knoll, who preceded her in death in 1984. She will now join him, her grandson Roky (2016), and her son-in-law David Rees (2012) in Pine Lake Cemetery.
Bee is survived by sister Gloria Heavey, of Kansas City, Mo.; her children, Rick (Kitty) Knoll of La Porte and Linda Knoll of La Porte; her granddaughters, Erin Knoll of Alaska, Torey Knoll of Montana, Elisse (Josh) Ake of La Porte, and Lesley Sterger of La Porte; and her three great-grandchildren.
Upon her husband’s death, Bebejean was appointed to fulfill her husband’s third term as a La Porte County Commissioner, making her the first female County Commissioner in La Porte. In addition, Bebejean spent many years managing the offices of Oscar C. Knoll & Son; she was also the property manager for the Professional Building.
Bee was an active member of AFS (American Field Service) in the late 1960s to the early 1970s. Several of the exchange students she liaised kept in touch with her over the years. In addition, she was a member of Questers, Jayshees, Service League, Eastern Star and the Republican Clubs.
Bebejean enjoyed shopping, cooking and entertaining, shopping, taking care of her home and yard, and traveling. She and her “boyfriend” Bill (Mr. Mitchell) (they dated in high school) enjoyed their later years together until his passing in 2013.
Cremation has taken place with Cutler Funeral Home and Cremation Center, La Porte. A private family burial will take place at a later date.
Memorial contributions may be directed to La Porte Small Animal Shelter, 2855 State Rd. 2, La Porte, Ind 46350.
Messages of condolence may be posted below on WNLP as well as at www.cutlercares.com.