Jennie "Pat" Knowles

Jennie Patricia “Pat” Knowles Battle Creek, MI December 4, 1936 - May 15, 2026

Pat, age 89, passed away peacefully Friday night, May 15, 2026 at home in Climax surrounded by family. She was born on December 4, 1936 at her grandmother’s home in Marshall to Wells and Henrietta (Winchell) Rowley. She was preceded in death by her parents; seven sisters, Louise, Maxine, Arlene, Jeanie, Sharon, Bonnie and Phyllis; and son-in-law, James R. Smith. Pat was a devoted wife to Don Knowles Sr. for nearly 69 years. Married on June 8, 1957, she was essential to her husband’s many entrepreneurial endeavors. During their time together they owned and operated a party store, an adult foster care facility, six rental apartments, and the well-known Knowles and the well-known Knowles Barber Shop. Through the Barber Shop, Pat and Don developed many lifelong friendships. Pat would send cards on all occasions, and had a way of making people feel seen, valued, and loved. Pat was known for her strong work ethic and was also employed by Wolverine Insurance, later known as Transamerica, on and off until 1984. When she wasn’t working, Pat loved dancing with her husband, cheering on the Tigers, getting lost in a good book and playing the organ. On any given day, you might find her at Cracker Barrel or outside mowing perfectly straight lines into the lawn — a small but fitting reflection of the care and pride she brought to everything she did. She golfed from time to time and famously sunk a hole-in-one on the sixth hole of the Natural at Binder Park Golf Course. at Binder Park Golf Course. Surviving are her husband, Don, and their 4 children, Jackie (Ben) Holtz of Climax; Jerri Smith of Climax; Terri (Gordon) Schroder of Battle Creek; Don (Gina) Knowles Jr. of Climax; 9 grandchildren; and 8 great grandchildren. A celebration of life will be held between 4pm and 6pm on Thursday, May 21, 2026 at the Climax United Methodist Church, 133 E Maple St, Climax, MI 49034. Memorial contributions may be made to Joanne Ark Rescue or the United Methodist Church of Climax. Donations may be given during the celebration of life or mailed to Joanne Ark Rescue, 3607 K Drive S, East Leroy, MI 49051