Martha M. Knauss, 87

Martha M. Knauss, 87, passed away Wednesday, Sept. 20, 2006, at her home in Cocolalla, Idaho, after a courageous battle with lung cancer.

Martha was born in Coeur d'Alene, Idaho, on April 8, 1919, to John and Laura Streit. She moved with her family to the Spokane Valley and attended West Valley High School where she played on the tennis team.

She met her husband, George Knauss, at West Valley and was a cheerleader for his football team. They married on June 11, 1938, and lived in the Spokane Valley until 1954 when they moved to the "ranch" in Cocolalla, Idaho.

Martha worked as a waitress in Spokane, as a cook and waitress at The View Cafe, and as a custodian at Southside Elementary School for 10 years. Martha was a 4-H leader for the Careywood Eager Beavers for eight years.

Martha had a passion for gardening and was even mowing her own lawn until she was 86. She was well-known for her beautiful flower gardens.

Her grandchildren and great-grandchildren were the light of her life. She loved to attend their football, soccer, baseball and volleyball games.

She is survived by her husband of 68 years George Knauss; three daughters, Judy Lowder, Marcia (Dave) Wanous and Donna (Jim) Carlson, all of Cocolalla, Idaho; seven grandchildren and five great-grandchildren; a brother, John (Ruby) Streit; and sister Margie Gross, both of Spokane, Wash.; and numerous nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents, John and Laura Streit; her son-in-law, Virgil Lowder; and her granddaughter, Sarah Rose Wanous.

At Martha's request no service will be held.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Bonner Community Hospice, P.O. Box 1448, Sandpoint, ID 83864-0877, (208) 265-1179.