Obituary for Deanna G. McKnelly
Mrs. Deanna G. “DeDe” McKnelly, age 82, of Jefferson City, Mo., passed away Thursday, February 25, 2021 at home surrounded by family.
Deanna was born April 3, 1938 in Jefferson City, Mo., the daughter of Dr. Harold Keith and Lucetta Grace “Lou” (Bierman) Hendrix. She was married on March 6, 1955 in Jefferson City, Mo., to Lorenzo D. “Skip” McKnelly, Sr. who preceded her in death on December 9, 2017.
A lifelong resident of the central Missouri area, Deanna attended Jefferson City High School.
She started working for St. Mary’s Hospital in 1972 where she worked in the Cardio-Pulmonary Department as a technician until 1995. In June of 1995, Deanna continued her career at Central Missouri Cardiology until her retirement in August 2007.
Deanna was a longtime member of the First United Methodist Church and was a past member of the P.E.O. Sisterhood. When her children were younger, she supported them as a Girl Scout Leader, serving in the P.T.A., and helping organize the Swim Club.
Deanna enjoyed family outings to their farm in Chamois, cruises with her daughters, and playing golf with her husband when their health allowed. She found peace being outdoors; watching birds, mowing grass and piddling in her yard. During any free time, she could be found reading and watching movies. She had a passion for animals and loved her precious dogs.
Survivors include: four children, Marsa Swatzell of Westwood, Ks., Dr. Lorenzo D. McKnelly, Jr. (Patricia) of Jefferson City, Mo., Kelly T. McKnelly of Jefferso City, Mo., and Kara Flanagan (Michael) of Jefferson City, Mo; sister, Barbara L. Stertzer of Lohman, Mo; brother, Keith B. Hendrix (Ana Maria) of Jamestown, Mo; eleven grandchildren, Lindy C. Mantooth (Ben), Todd C. Swatzell, Heather McKnelly, Lorenzo D. McKnelly III, Andrea McKnelly, Trey Bailey (Joni), Adam Bailey (Jessie), Abbi Schulte (Michael), Sean Flanagan-Burks (Chase), Alec J. Flanagan, and Maggie Flanagan; and ten great-grandchildren.
Deanna was preceded in death by her parents; her loving husband of 62 years, Skip; and one son-in-law, Robert E. “Bob” Swatzell.
A Celebration of Deanna’s Life will be held at a later time.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions are suggested to Animal Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA), 1717 South Philo Road, Suite 36, Urbana, Il. 61802 (www.aspca.org/donate) or St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, Tn. 38105.
Funeral arrangements are under the care of Freeman Mortuary.
Deanna was born April 3, 1938 in Jefferson City, Mo., the daughter of Dr. Harold Keith and Lucetta Grace “Lou” (Bierman) Hendrix. She was married on March 6, 1955 in Jefferson City, Mo., to Lorenzo D. “Skip” McKnelly, Sr. who preceded her in death on December 9, 2017.
A lifelong resident of the central Missouri area, Deanna attended Jefferson City High School.
She started working for St. Mary’s Hospital in 1972 where she worked in the Cardio-Pulmonary Department as a technician until 1995. In June of 1995, Deanna continued her career at Central Missouri Cardiology until her retirement in August 2007.
Deanna was a longtime member of the First United Methodist Church and was a past member of the P.E.O. Sisterhood. When her children were younger, she supported them as a Girl Scout Leader, serving in the P.T.A., and helping organize the Swim Club.
Deanna enjoyed family outings to their farm in Chamois, cruises with her daughters, and playing golf with her husband when their health allowed. She found peace being outdoors; watching birds, mowing grass and piddling in her yard. During any free time, she could be found reading and watching movies. She had a passion for animals and loved her precious dogs.
Survivors include: four children, Marsa Swatzell of Westwood, Ks., Dr. Lorenzo D. McKnelly, Jr. (Patricia) of Jefferson City, Mo., Kelly T. McKnelly of Jefferso City, Mo., and Kara Flanagan (Michael) of Jefferson City, Mo; sister, Barbara L. Stertzer of Lohman, Mo; brother, Keith B. Hendrix (Ana Maria) of Jamestown, Mo; eleven grandchildren, Lindy C. Mantooth (Ben), Todd C. Swatzell, Heather McKnelly, Lorenzo D. McKnelly III, Andrea McKnelly, Trey Bailey (Joni), Adam Bailey (Jessie), Abbi Schulte (Michael), Sean Flanagan-Burks (Chase), Alec J. Flanagan, and Maggie Flanagan; and ten great-grandchildren.
Deanna was preceded in death by her parents; her loving husband of 62 years, Skip; and one son-in-law, Robert E. “Bob” Swatzell.
A Celebration of Deanna’s Life will be held at a later time.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions are suggested to Animal Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA), 1717 South Philo Road, Suite 36, Urbana, Il. 61802 (www.aspca.org/donate) or St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, Tn. 38105.
Funeral arrangements are under the care of Freeman Mortuary.