Mary Louise Knecht, 88, passed away peacefully at home on November 1, 2020, surrounded by loved ones. She was born in Covington, OK, on December 26, 1931, to John and Frieda Wyssmann and was the youngest of her five siblings.

Being active started early in her life. Mary enjoyed playing basketball and softball as a young woman. She graduated from Covington High School in 1949 and then attended Oklahoma A&M College. She worked for the local newspapers and then met the love of her life, John D. Knecht. The couple were married on November 26, 1955, in Enid, Oklahoma. To this union seven children were born. John and Mary would have celebrated their 65th wedding anniversary this November.

The couple began their married life on a farm south of Enid where Mary attended her many large gardens. Cooking up a storm, along with canning fruits and vegetables from her garden gave her great pleasure. While residing in Enid, Mary was a member of the Catholic Business and Professional Women's Clubs.

After moving to Tulsa in 1967, Mary was a stay at home mom, raising the seven children and became very involved in their lives. A dedicated parent, Mary worked at every school that her children attended. In the formative years, the family would often be found camping on the weekends and she loved every minute of it.

A standard in the community, she was involved in many organizations. As a devout Catholic, she served St. Pius X Church faithfully in various roles and ministries spanning four decades. Hospitality chairman, Eucharistic minister, and Sacristan were a few of her long held roles. She proudly led a family effort in caring for the linens every week for over 53 years. An excellent care-giver, Mary often took care of the ill and disabled, always taking care of others before herself. Having unending energy, she also worked for the Tulsa County Election Board for 18 years.


Returning to the work force after raising the children, Mary made her career with two Ophthalmologists, which lasted 15 years. Her retirement in 1993 did not stop her from being busy. Soon after retirement, fueled by their love of the outdoors, John and Mary purchased a beautiful home in Lake City, CO, where they spent many summers.

In her later years, Mary devoted her life to being an amazing wife, mother, grandmother and great-grandmother, aunt, and friend. She found joy in playing card games, solving word puzzles, talking on the phone with friends and family, and was always up for hosting a party. She was happiest when surrounded by those who loved her the most, her children, extended family, and dear friends. She touched many lives and loved with her whole heart. Those that knew her, will remember the twinkle in her eyes and her million-dollar smile.

Mary is survived by her husband, John D. Knecht, her eight children and their spouses, Harlene and James Foutch, John W. Knecht, Thomas and Myrtle Knecht, Clifford Knecht, Patricia and Kevin Helf, Harvey Knecht, Mary and Frank Wyant, and adopted son Rev. Jovita Okonkwo; her 15 grandchildren and their spouses, Anne and Jeff, Christine, James and Kim, Katherine and Jesse, John A. and Katy, Jacob and Patricia, Jenna, Thomas and Kimberly, Erin and Michael, Joshua, Susan and Jason, Amber, Alexander, Meredith, and Madeline; her 23 great-grandchildren, Hannah, Hope, Harper, Hudson, Hilary, Harrison, Haven, Faith, Brandon, Andrew, Molly, Brooklin, Kennedy Ann, Ethan, Lahna, Kylah Jo, Sean, Alyssa, Elizabeth, Dylan, Lucy, Hazel, and Asher. She is preceded in death by her parents John and Frieda, two brothers Art and John, and three sisters, Mildred, Leona, and Irma and daughter-in-law, Marquita.

In lieu of flowers, memorials can be made to St. Pius X Church in memory of Mary Knecht.

Viewing: 12:00 Noon - 8:00 p.m., Wednesday, November 4, 2020
8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m., Thursday, November 5, 2020
Moore's Eastlawn Chapel, 1908 S. Memorial Drive
Rosary: 7:00 p.m., Thursday, November 5, 2020
Funeral Mass: 10:00 a.m., Friday, November 6, 2020
St. Pius X Catholic Church, 1727 S. 75th E. Ave.

Moore's Eastlawn Chapel, 918-622-1155