Patricia Knowles

Patricia "Patty" Ann (Spindler) Knowles, 77, of Owensville, IN, passed away on January 9, 2023, surrounded by her family.   She was born in Evansville, IN on January 31, 1945, to Dorothea Mae Murphy and Henry W. Spindler (who was killed in the south of France during WWII when Patty was an infant). Patty and her mother lived with Patty's maternal grandparents and other family in Pumpkin Run. When Patty was 8, Dorothea married Wayne T. Couch and the family moved to Owensville. Patty graduated from Owensville High School in 1963 and went on to Indiana State University, where she was a member of Gamma Phi Beta sorority and graduated with her bachelor's degree in education. She went on to earn her Master's degree at the University of Evansville, and then elementary and kindergarten endorsements from Indiana State University Evansville. She devoted herself to an engaging, imaginative, and heartfelt 34-year teaching career in the South Gibson School Corporation. Those who knew her, especially her family, know that she never stopped teaching. Patty married William "Bill" Knowles in Owensville in 1974, and they would have celebrated their 49th wedding anniversary on May 25. They raised two daughters, Stephanie and Erin, in Owensville, and shared many adventures together.    As much as Patty loved teaching, she loved learning even more. Curious until the end, Patty never missed an opportunity to share her experiences and knowledge with her family, especially her grandchildren, Tyler, Caleb, Henry, and Millie. Family trips to museums, historical landmarks, shuttle launches and more occupied her time before and after retirement. Patty also shared her love of history and genealogy with everyone she knew. She was a gifted storyteller, and her eyes shined brightest when she was sharing stories that included someone dear to her. People from California to Boston have heard these stories.   Patty was active in the Daughters of the American Revolution, the American Legion Auxiliary, and the Red Hats.   She was preceded in death by her mother (Dorothea), father (Henry), stepfather (Wayne), and sister Kay Ellen Couch.   Patty is survived by her husband Bill Knowles of Owensville, Stephanie and husband Randy Riney of Evansville, Erin Knowles and wife Cari Vanderpool of Champaign, IL, sister Sue Sims of Lexington, KY, and grandchildren Tyler Coffman, Caleb Coffman, Mickey Riney, Henry Knowles-Vanderpool, and Millie Knowles-Vanderpool. Funeral services celebrating the life of Patricia "Patty" Ann (Spindler) Knowles will be held on Saturday, January 14, 2023. at 11:00 AM at the Holder Funeral Home 319 South Main Street Owensville, Indiana. Officiating will be Pastor Donnie Mobley. Interment will follow in the Antioch Cemetery in Owensville Indiana. Visitation will be held on Friday, January 13, 2023, from 5:00 PM until 8:00 PM and to continue Saturday, January 14, 2023, from 9:00 AM until service time at the Holder Funeral Home. Online memorials may be made at www.holderfuneralhome.com. Holder Funeral Home is privileged and honored to be entrusted with the care of Patricia and her family. Memorials may be sent to the Tri-State Multiple Sclerosis Association (https://tristatems.org/donate/). Visitation Friday, January 13, 2023 05:00 PM - 08:00 PM (EST) Holder Funeral Home 319 South Main Street Owensville, Indiana 47665 United States Funeral Service Saturday, January 14, 2023 11:00 AM - 12:00 PM (EST) Holder Funeral Home 319 South Main Street Owensville, Indiana 47665 United States