KNECHT, Wilma Clarice (Gassaway), 94, passed away Tuesday, June 9, 2015 in Tulsa, OK. She was born June 19, 1920 in Hartford, AR only three miles East of Monroe, OK where her family moved to in 1923. She attended Monroe schools until 1931 when her family moved to Poteau, OK.
She graduated from Poteau High School in 1937 and then attended Hill's Business University. After graduation, she worked for Soil Conservation Service until 1940 when she was employed as Executive Secretary to the Director of the Dept. of Public Welfare in Poteau.
In 1946, she was transferred to the state office in Oklahoma City as Executive Secretary to the Assistant Director of what is now the Dept. of Human Services.
She married Gilbert W. Knecht on March 8, 1946. They had two children, William Allan Knecht (Bill), December 20, 1946 and Mary Jo Knecht, December 27, 1952. She and Gilbert were married for 67 years. They lived in Houston, TX until 1964 and then moved to Tulsa, OK. She gave all her time to being a housewife, mother, and nana.
She did volunteer work at the Tulsa Christian Home for about 15 years, along with her church activities, which were a very important part of her life.
Gilbert preceded her in death on September 21, 2013 at the age of 93. She leaves her two children and their spouses, Bill Knecht and Karen of Purcellville, VA, and Mary Jo and Ron Saizow of Tulsa; two grandchildren, Abby and Jeff Saizow of Tulsa, OK. She was also preceded in death by her sister, Wynema Welch (Gassaway) in 1951 and brother, L. H. Gassaway in January, 2015.
Visitation will be 5-7 P.M., Thursday, June 11, 2015 at Moore's Southlawn, 9350 E. 51st, Tulsa, OK. Memorial service will be 10:00 A.M., Friday, June 12, 2015 at Park Plaza Church of Christ, 5925 E. 51st, Tulsa, OK. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Hope Harbor, Park Plaza Church of Christ, or any charity of your choice. Moore's Southlawn 918-663-2233 share memories at www.moorefuneral.com