Rita Joan Knowles passed away peacefully with family by her side on December 2. She was reunited with her loving husband of 59 years, Kenneth James Knowles, who preceded her in death by 31 days. Born in White Plains, NY to Daniel M. and Helen (Collins) Mulligan, Rita grew up in New York and graduated from the College of New Rochelle with a degree in Psychology (Early Education). She met Ken while he was a cadet at West Point and they were married in June, 1956. As a supportive Army wife, she made frequent moves look easy even with 5 children. Rita excelled at teaching elementary school in the Huntsville City School system for 28 years, where she made lasting impressions on students who seemed to truly enjoy meeting her later in life. She enjoyed sewing, camping, boating, cooking, gardening, and being with friends. Two of her greatest qualities were her selflessness towards others and her quiet strength.
Devoted to her faith and family, she was an active volunteer over her 43 years in Huntsville Marriage Encounter, St. Vincent de Paul, Help Line, numerous church ministries and local charities. She is survived by her five loving children; Daniel, Michael, Brian, Susan (Stitzel) and Sheila (Wood); eleven grandchildren and one great-granddaughter. A funeral mass will be held on Monday, December 14, at Holy Spirit Catholic Church at 10:00 am followed by a reception in the Parish Hall. A private family interment at Valhalla Memory Gardens will be held afterwards. In lieu of flowers, the family asks donations be made in Rita's memory to either the Society of St. Vincent de Paul, 625 Airport Rd., Huntsville, AL 35802, or to The Alzheimer’s Association, Mid-South Chapter, 117-A Longwood Dr., SE Huntsville, AL 35801.
Information provided by Valhalla Funeral Home