Clara Jane Knauss, 89, passed away Thursday, April 24, 2008, surrounded by her loving family at the Colonial Manor in Whitefish.

Clara was born Dec. 15, 1918, in Austin, Manitoba, to Ruben and Edith Hotel Biggar. She moved to Whitefish with her family when she was in grade school and attended Whitefish schools.

She married Earl Lee Knauss in Libby in 1934, and they made their home in Whitefish. Clara was a devoted wife and mother, raising their two sons, Donald Lee and Earl Richard. She also worked at the Whitefish Public Library, Whitefish Water Department, and Sandra's Dress Shop.

Clara enjoyed her horses and cats, bird watching, handicraft work, bowling, modeling, gardening, bicycle riding, reading, and traveling. She was a life-long learner. She was a member of the Rifle Club and Moose Club and Lutheran Church in Whitefish.

Clara was preceded in death by her husband, Earl Lee Knauss, in 1977; her son, Earl Richard "Dick" Knauss, in 1968; her parents, Reuben and Edith Biggar; sisters, Margaret Biggar, Enid Gilbert, and Gennette "Nettie" Wilson; brothers, Richard, Phillip and Hugh Biggar; and her great-great-granddaughter, Taylor Overton. Also preceding her in death was her companion, Robert Wicen.

She is survived by her son, Donald Knauss, and wife, Janet, of Libby; grandchildren, Bob Knauss and wife, Caryn, Cathy Brown, Ron Knauss and wife, Davina, and Kelly Knauss; eight great-grandchildren Shaunnah, Megan, Miranda, Cali, Logan Rose, Cody, John and Tony; and six great-great-grandchildren; step-grandchildren Krystal Mires and Bonnie Mires Koch; sister, Sheila Calhoun and husband, Bruce, and her children, Dennis, Jackie and Bill; a sister-in-law, Gwen Biggar; and other nieces and nephews, Sandra, Peggy, Myrtis, Dewey, Joe, Dawn, Dana, Joanie and Annette.

Clara resided at the Colonial Manor in Whitefish for five years and was known as the "Nursing Home Sweetheart," and all the staff there was part of her loving family.

A funeral service for Clara will be held from 1 to 8 p.m. Tuesday, April 29, at the Austin Funeral Home in Whitefish, with the Rev. Peter Erickson officiating. Burial will be afterward in the Whitefish Cemetery. A reception will be afterward at the Whitefish Moose Lodge.

A visitation will be held from 1 to 8 p.m. Monday, April 28, at the Austin Funeral Home in Whitefish.

The family suggests memorials be sent to the Whitefish Library, 9 Spokane Ave., Whitefish, MT 59937.