Ardith Kay Knuth, age 71, passed away Saturday, December 19, 2015 at her home in rural Park Rapids surrounded by her loved ones.
Ardith Kay Knuth was born on April 29, 1944 in Bloomington, IL. to Everett and Thelma (Ellis) Petersen. It was in Bloomington that Kay grew into womanhood, graduating from the Bloomington Public High School with the class of 1962. On June 11, 1963 Kay was united in marriage to Joseph Carl Knuth at St. Mary's Catholic Church in Bloomington. This union was blessed with a precious daughter, Melinda. Kay devoted herself to making a loving home for her husband and daughter. She was a wonderful cook and baker. In addition to caring for her family she also worked in retail at a gift shop and a children's specialty store. Later, Kay was employed by the Illinois Agriculture Association for five years. In 1981, Kay began a new career as a childcare provider in her own home. She loved children and treasured the time she could love and nurture them. Each child she cared for grew up calling her grandma Kay and they loved her as she loved them. In 2001, she and Joe ventured to northern Minnesota where they had honeymooned many years earlier, and had promised to return there one day. They purchased the Emmaville store north of Park Rapids where they both worked until retiring from the business in 2006, at which point they bought a home just north of Park Rapids. Kay loved to work with her hands stitching many quilts for her friends and loved ones. She donated many of her quilt tops for church projects. She also loved to crochet many craft items to send to our soldiers overseas. Each spring she loved raising beautiful flowers into colorful splendor and vegetables into fruitful abundance to meet the needs of her family. Above all, throughout her life Kay was very devoted to caring for her parents as well as her own daughter and grandchildren.
Kay is survived by her daughter, Melinda Brouillette (Phillip Moss) of Park Rapids; four precious grandchildren: Sheena (Matt) McDonald of Normal, Il., Cote Brouillette serving in the US Air force in Okinawa, Japan, Sheree (Levi) Bauer of Bloomington, IL., and Dakota Brouillette of Park Rapids, MN.; her precious two great-granddaughters: Elianna and Molly; her precious sister, Regina Sue (Steve) Koppenhoefer, who was not only a very close sister; but was Kay's best friend throughout her life; as well as a host of nieces, nephews, other relatives and many friends.
Kay was preceded in death by her parents and her beloved husband, Joe.
Mass of Christian Burial was held 10:00 AM Tuesday, December 22, 2015 at Our Lady of the Pines Catholic Church in Nevis. Interment was made at Lakeview Cemetery in Nevis. Visitation was held 9:30 - 10:00 AM Tuesday, December 22, 2015 at Our Lady of the Pines in Nevis. To leave online condolences or to view the video tribute please visit www.jonespearson.com.
