Berneice Knauss

Berneice Knauss, 93, longtime Moses Lake resident, passed away Thursday, May 10, 2012, at Providence Sacred Heart Hospital in Spokane, Washington.  A Private gathering of family and friends will be held on Saturday, June 16, 2012 at 1404 S. Lakeway Drive, in Moses Lake where she shared a residence with her daughter, Cheryl Hill, of Moses Lake.

Berneice was born April 28, 1919, to the late Sam and Alberta (Rowles) Smith in Toronto Canada.  Just after the turn of the century, her parents emigrated to Canada from England where her father had been a guard for the Royal family.  Her family eventually moved to San Gabriel, California where she spent most of her years growing up - enjoying beaches and working as a hairdresser in her sister's salon.

It was in California where she met her late husband, George Knauss.  They were married on February 15, 1942 and made their home in Rosemead, California.  In 1949, Berneice and George moved to Wenatchee, and in 1964 settled in Moses Lake, where they owned and operated several apartment complexes.  They were married 58 years when her husband passed away in 2000.

No matter how busy Berneice became with the demands and rigors of property management, she always found time to devote to her family.  She loved children and being a good mother was a priority to her.  Berneice was a skilled chef and an exceptional seamstress.  She did it all; raising a garden, canning and freezing foods; sewing drapes for her home; clothing for her children; and teaching her children important life skills along the way.  She made everything she did look effortless and always did it with a kind word and a smile.

Besides being an exceptional cook, Berneice was a talented baker.  She was known around Grant County, and beyond, for her ability to create beautiful and elaborate wedding cakes.  Berneice would always take on more projects/orders than the average woman could possibly handle, but she hated to disappoint or say "no" to someone wanting a cake or her help.  Where she found the time, is still a mystery to her family.  When Berneice's talents were involved, you could always hear someone say, "How does she do that?"

Berneice was not only known for her talents, but for her kind heart, her generosity and her love for animals.  Berneice took pride in being a self-starting independent woman with an exceptional work ethic.  The advice she always passed on to young people is to not waste time, stay in school and prepare for the future.

Survivors include three daughters, Valery Knauss of Seattle, WA; Becky Toler of Republic, WA; Cheryl Hill of Moses Lake, WA; a son, Mike Knauss of Hudson, CO; and four grandchildren; Christy Hill, Lorraine Toler, Danielle Toler and Kelli Toler.  Besides her parents, Berneice was preceded in death by her brother, Mel Smith, and sister, Joyce Heinmarch.