Obituary
Jacqueline Ann Knoles “Jacque” entered this world on January 10, 1962. She was born with a mountain to climb. The daughter of Wilbur and Wanda Knoles, Jacque arrived with a fighting spirit that would fuel her for 60 years. Those closest to her would call her exceptional. She approached life with gusto and determination. Early years were spent at the Lakeview Woods State School followed by 34 years as a devoted employee of Southeast Enterprises sheltered workshop. While there, she packaged many products including remote controls for Time Warner Cable. She loved her jobs and the people who surrounded her.
After the death of her beloved mother, Wanda, Jacque moved to Cabrini House, where she resided for eleven plus years. While there, she continued to enjoy the staples of everyday living: working at the workshop, watching Wheel of Fortune, talking on the phone, eating at Cracker Barrel, drinking iced tea, car rides with her dad, enjoying Bill Gaither Vocal and other gospel music, attending Sunday school at First Baptist Raytown every Sunday and participating in Special Olympics, especially loving and excelling at swimming, bringing home the medals! When it was time to retire from the workshop, Jacque embraced her free time, sleeping in and hanging with her friends.
Jacque had an infectious smile that would light up the room! She enjoyed people, but enjoyed quiet as well, oftentimes “hushing” people by placing her finger to her lips when the noise level became too high. She taught us the value of silence. And even though her communication skills were limited, she taught us volumes by the positive way she approached life. She was spunky, spirited, tenacious and fought hard to just stay alive. Jacque was gracious and it was obvious she wanted to please others.
While full of love, laughter and life, Jacque would want everyone to know that her personal relationship with Jesus was most important to her and it showed through her unconditional love to those who surrounded her. She never met a stranger.
Second to that was her extraordinary bond with her dad. They were inseparable. They forged regular routines that included traditions for every holiday and special occasion. Her fondest memories were Sunday afternoons with dad and ice cream cake for her birthday every year.
Jacque finished her earthly race peacefully entering Heaven on April 22, 2022. She was preceded in death by her mother, Wanda, grandparents and many aunts, uncles and cousins. She leaves behind her devoted dad, Wilbur Knoles, and her loving brother and sister-in-law, Doug and Jessica Knoles, her cousin Elisabeth (Steve) Wall-Smith, Uncle Dean Campbell and a host of cousins
A special thanks to all the people who took such good care of Jacque, especially the staff at Cabrini House in Lee’s Summit, St. Luke’s Hospital and the Kansas City Hospice House her last week of life. Additional thanks to her swim coach, Fred Burns, and her Sunday school teacher, Susan Valkus. They recognized how special Jacque was and enabled her to live her life to the fullest.
A celebration of Jacque’s life will be held at 11:00 a.m. Saturday, April 30, 2022 at Langsford Funeral Home with a visitation prior from 10:00 – 11:00 a.m. Interment will be in Floral Hill Cemetery, Kansas City, Mo. In lieu of flowers, the family graciously accepts contributions for a memorial tree in Jacque’s honor.
Arrangements, Langsford Funeral Home, 115 SW 3rd St., Lee’s Summit, MO. 64063.
Condolences
Visitation
Lee’s Summit, MO 64063
Services
Lee’s Summit, MO 64063
Wilbur and Doug and family
Am saddened to hear of Jackies passing. I know shes enjoying Heaven and greeting everyone with her brilliant smile and laughter. When I do come back through Kansas City, I will make sure I visit Jackie and Wandas gravesites as they neighbor my parents.
Wilbur I remember you showing me at my Dads service this past summer. My heart goes out to you, and with the grief of loss, you are comforted by Gods grace and compassion for you. Again my heartfelt condolonces.
Stay at peace and healthy in Christ,
Natalie (Thompson) Katerberg
Uncle Joey and Doug,
So sorry to hear about your loss. I don’t think Jacque ever stopped smiling and is smiling down on you both now. Sincere sympathies.
Denise Ferguson
Wilber & Doug so sorry for your loss. I will not be able to attend because right now I cannot leave Tom. He has had a little health problem and cannot be left alone. Prayers for you. She was a wonderful spirit and she always liked Tom better than me. She is at peace now and she is in heaven with Wanda.
Jacque was a true light that God decided to share with all who loved her. I consider myself blessed to have known Jacque and considered her my friend. I remember swinging with her and riding tricycles with her…and, on occasion, she would “hush” me because we were getting too loud. I remember her sitting in her driveway and waving at everyone as they went by, I can still hear her laughter, and I remember that joyful look she always had in her eyes. Although we were separated over the years after I married and moved away, her lessons of love and friendship were always with me, she has always held a special place in my heart. Sending prayers for peace and comfort to Wilbur, Doug, and the rest of the family.
What a wonderful tribute to Jacque! I never met her but wanted to send my condolences to you. May the Lord fill your hearts with anticipation of being with her again for eternity and rejoicing in her wholeness!