Eileen Jeanette Knowles, 80, of Excelsior Springs, Missouri passed away July 2, 2020 at her home. 

Born June 12, 1940 in Ottumwa, IA to George and Evelyn (Wright) Bortz, Eileen attended and graduated from Ottumwa High School where she was a cellist all three years in the Iowa All State Orchestra.  She was also selected to play in the Southeast Iowa Symphony Orchestra at Iowa Wesleyan College in Mount Pleasant, Iowa while in high school. She studied to be an x-ray technician at the Ottumwa Hospital.  Her love of music and learning continued throughout her life.

Eileen married Robert (Bob) Lee Knowles on January 17, 1959 in Ottumwa.  They moved all across the Midwest through the years with Bob's job in the Air Force and then the Burlington Northern Railroad living in Missouri, Iowa, Texas, Oklahoma, Illinois, Minnesota, and returning back to Missouri to stay.

Over the years she worked as a Title 1 Teaching Aide at Pine Hill Elementary School in Cottage Grove, MN, and as an Avon representative for 34 years.

She enjoyed supporting her children throughout the years as a room mother, Girl Scout and Cub Scout Leader.  She was a member of TOPS (Take Off Pounds

Sensibly) throughout the years holding positions of Leader, Co-Leader, Weight Recorder, Treasurer, and Secretary thoroughly enjoying the comradery and life-long friendships.

But Eileen Knowles was much more than the things she did. 

Her greatest joys were her family and her friends, and she lived that devotion every day. She cherished each relationship and brightened our lives with her beautiful spirit.  Her life was one of kindness, compassion, and love.  She loved us dearly as we loved her. How blessed we are to call her Sister, Mother, Grandma, and Friend.

She is survived by daughter, Debra (David) Goggin of Huntsville, AL, and two sons Greg (Ann) of Independence and Brian of Kansas City, Kansas: five grandchildren Michelle Stamness (Tony), Zachary, Julie, Jacob, and Nathan Knowles; two great-grandchildren Ethan Alexander and Steven Pittman; brother Robert Bortz (Susan) of Cedar Rapids, IA and many dearly loved in-laws and friends.

Eileen was preceded in death by her parents, brothers Gary and Daryl Bortz, and her beloved husband Bob who passed away January 5, 1994.

Eileen will be in-state 10am-1:30pm, on Saturday, July 11, 2020 at Bross & Spidle Funeral Home followed by a 2pm, graveside service at Hillcrest Cemetery, Excelsior Springs, MO.