Mary Ann Knepp, 91, has passed away and went to the Lord peacefully on July 22, 2025.

She was born December 30, 1933, to the late Dr. Lawrence and Margret Howe in the town of Clearfield, Pennsylvania. In 1953, she graduated from Clearfield High School where she became a cheerleader, enjoyed drama, and fashion modeling. Mary Ann attended Lycoming College in Williamsport and returned to Clearfield, where she worked at the County National Bank.

On June 8, 1956, Mary Ann married her high school sweetheart, James E. Knepp of Ogden Avenue, Clearfield. Mary Ann and Jim had their first date at The Sadie Hawkins Dance where Mary Ann asked Jim to the school dance. From that moment on, they were a team. They dated for eight years before Jim asked Mary Ann for her eternal love. Their love and commitment for each other lasted 69 years.

Their marriage was blessed with four children. Andrew James, who passed away at the age of 27, in 1985 after heart transplant surgery; Timothy, an artist; Bonnie, an elementary school teacher; and Terry, an operations superintendent for the American Water Company.

Mary Ann was an active member of the Holiday Park United Methodist Church of Plum Borough, Culpeper Baptist Church of Culpeper, Virginia, and Garber Methodist Church of New Bern, North Carolina. She was a Girl Scout leader for eight years, a Sunday school teacher for 12 years, and volunteered for three years as “The Gray Ladies” of New Kensington Hospital. Mary Ann also created and directed a large Christian Puppet Ministry encompassing two states, Pennsylvania and Virginia. “The Master’s Hands” and “Puppets Personification” kept Mary Ann busy with performances in churches and schools for 18 years. She also enjoyed the art of clowning and had professional training to serve and perform in “Fools for Christ”. Her clowns name was “Jingles” in Pittsburgh, and “Sunflower” in Culpeper. In her earlier years, she clowned around making children laugh within public schools as “Stuppo” the clown.

Mary Ann and Jim retired to 11 acres of wooded land near Culpeper, Virginia where they built an oak log home enjoying many gatherings and good times with family and friends. There was also the family cottage in Quebec, Canada, where Mary Ann, Jim, and family members spent many wonderful summers together. No matter where Mary Ann would travel, Christ was her center. She adored her Savior. When she was 11 years old, she gave her life to Christ, but not until she was 32 years old did she have a personal and dedicated life with God.

Mary Ann loved her five grandchildren and her three great-grandchildren. Loving them was her best joy. She taught them games, songs, puppetry, and told them all about Jesus. Spending days with “Memaw” were the best.

She is survived by her husband, James E. Knepp; son Timothy R.; daughter Bonnie L. and husband David; son Terry L. and wife Paige; and sister-in-law Barbara Lee Bodle.

Also surviving are five grandchildren, Dr. Benjamin Gahagen and wife Dr. Heather Davis Gahagen; Jonathan Gahagen and wife Amber; Michael Ostrander, Mathew Ostrander, and Andrew James Knepp; three great-grandchildren, Darren Tucker Gahagen, Gabriella Marie Gahagen, Quinn Mackenzie Gahagen.

Mary was preceded in death by her son, Andrew James of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania; brother, Dr. William Howe and his wife Connie of Temple, Arizona; brother, James B. Howe of New Bern, North Carolina; brother-in-law, Mathew and wife Mary Sue Knepp of Bridgeville, Pennsylvania.

Internment of her ashes will be placed at Crown Crest Memorial Park, Clearfield, Pennsylvania.

*All obituaries are submitted by family and friends of the deceased.

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