Barbara J. Knaus
Barbara Jean Gerbersman Knaus transitioned on January 27, 2018 at Friendship Village – Sunset Hills after a long battle with Alzheimer’s Disease. She was born November 12, 1938 in St Louis, Missouri. Barbara was predeceased by her parents, Vernon and Bernice Gerbersman, her daughter, Christine Lynn Kristof, and her son, Engelbert Gustave Knaus, Jr. She is survived by her husband of 60 years, Engelbert Gustave (Ed) Knaus as well as three sisters and brothers-in-law, Nancee and Wayne Byington (Eldon, MO), Sue and Jim Krause (Farmington, MO), Amy and Jon Gibson (Corpus Christi, TX); two daughters, Constance (David) Bennett (Titusville, FL) and Catherine Westbrook (St Louis, MO); four grandchildren, Geoffrey Schuessler (Tampa, FL), Erin (Christopher) Schuessler-Vecchiarelli (New York, NY), StJohn (Melissa) Westbrook (St Peters, MO), and Hunter Westbrook (Jersey City, NJ); an expected and already beloved great grandson; and numerous nephews, nieces and great-nephews and nieces.
Barbara graduated from Kirkwood High School and Miss Hickey’s Secretarial School. She enjoyed swimming, gardening, music, reading and lovingly caring for her family. She performed for many years as a member of the St Louis Metro Singers, volunteered with the St Louis Christmas Carolers Association, and was a talented pianist. Barbara was strong in her faith and was a lifelong member of the Divine Science Church.
A memorial service will be held on February 10th at 10:30 am at the chapel at Friendship Village – Sunset Hills. A Celebration of Life is being planned for this summer. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association or Missouri Botanical Garden.
Dear Connie and family, It is a very sad day when one says goodbye to their mom, their wife, their grandmother. She went through so much to finally make it home with her maker and other loved ones gone before her. She is finally at peace now, smiling down on her loved ones from above. I hope you find peace here on earth with out her. She may be gone from your presence but will be forever in your hearts until you meet again.
I LOVE my Big Sis Barb…always!
I hope mom is resting in peace and painfree at last
She was a wonderfully spiritual woman who welcomed all she knew with open arms including myself
I know she’s in Heaven now with Chrissy and Eddie
I’m sure by now she planting a huge garden well stocked with Sunflowers and anything to attracts Butterfly’s
Cathy and StJohn,
So sorry to hear and sending you and the entire family our love and sympathy. We will honor her with a gift to the gardens. We hope you find peace in the good memories
With love,
Butch & Monique
Sending love and sympathy to all my cousins. Imagining the party Arline and Bernice and Barb and our loved ones preceding us are having in our Lord’s presence. Oh the singing and giggling there will be!
Amy, and all family members. I just read of Barbs passing. Please know that my heart and prayers go with each one you. I will remember Barb fondly.