Velma Knowles Obituary

On Christmas Day 2008, Velma Margaret (Thompson) Knowles of Three Forks made her final journey to her new home in Heaven to again be with the love of her life, her husband, Clarence Knowles, who was called before her in 1998.

Velma was born March 10, 1919, to Herman and Hattie (White) Thompson, in Milligan Canyon on the original Thompson homestead. She attended the Eureka School in Milligan Canyon and Willow Creek High School, graduating as valedictorian of her senior class. Velma had met Clarence in Three Forks and then again at a dance, and they fell in love. They were married May 30, 1937, in Bozeman and celebrated 61 years together. They were blessed with five children -- LaVern, Margaret Kay, Dennis, Cheryl and Randy. Throughout their married life, they lived in Three Forks, Anaconda and Trident.

The Rebekah Lodge of Three Forks was a large part of Velma's life. She became a member in March 1954 and was Past Noble Grand in January 1965.

Velma was preceded in death by her parents, husband Clarence, daughter Kay, great-granddaughter Jasmine, siblings Tamsy Davis, Eunice Raffety, Eula Hersey, Freda Schmitt, and Keith Thompson, son-in-law Robert Denson and daughter-in-law Billie Jane (Castellano) Knowles.
`She is survived by her children, Vern and family, Dennis and family, Cheryl (Ed) Wilcox and family, and Randy (Karen) and Family, Kay's five children and their families, and many nieces, nephews and cousins.

Funeral services will be conducted 1 p.m. Tuesday at the K&L Mortuary in Three Forks with Pastor Charlie Christiansen officiating. Burial will immediately follow in the Three Forks Cemetery. Following the burial, all are invited to meet together at the United Methodist Church Annex for refreshments and good fellowship in remembrance of Velma's life. Come share with us.

Mom and Grandma will be greatly missed by all who knew and loved her. You are with Daddy now. Bless you both and rest in peace.