Edith Knowles

Edith Chambers Foster Knowles, 83, of Idaho Falls, died peacefully March 26, 2012. Edith was born August 21, 1928, in Miles City, Montana, the beloved daughter of Donald Cameron Foster and Ivy May Chambers Foster. To this union two children were born, Donald Cameron Foster II and Edith Chambers Foster. Edith's parents were first generation Scottish immigrants. Her mother's family had moved from Dundee to Alberta, Canada, and her father came by himself from the Scottish Highlands to eastern Montana to begin sheep ranching. He died when Edith was only ten years old, and her mother valiantly maintained the small family. Edith attended the Lincoln School, the Washington School, and Custer County High School in Miles City, later pursuing secretarial studies at the Montana State University. In June, 1951, Edith married Wayne Russel Knowles. The couple was blessed with two children, Sandra and Perry, to whom Edith was a devoted mother. Wayne's work as a civil engineer took the family to many states, his last assignment was in Idaho Falls, where they retired. While in Idaho Falls, Edith volunteered for a number of years at the hospital, mostly in physical therapy. After the death of her husband in 1997, Edith volunteered at the Idaho Falls Public Library for 10 years, as well as becoming an active member at Trinity United Methodist Church, where she served on the church board and was a member of the United Methodist Women. Edith's cheerfulness and helpful disposition blessed her with life-long friends. In addition to her family and friends in Idaho, Edith had beloved family and friends in Maryland. Edith and her sister-in-law, Phyllis, loved to travel and over the years went to Turkey, China, Eastern Europe, Spain, Morocco, Italy, Switzerland, Egypt, Scotland, England, Norway, Canada and sailed down the Danube to Budapest. Survivors include her Daughter, Sandra Donato of Idaho Falls; Son, Perry (Betsy) Knowles of Pocatello; Grandchildren, Shea Donato, Ashley Knowles-Swingle, Elle Simon, and Donny Massey, 4 great grandchildren, Sister-In-Law, Phyllis Foster and numerous nieces and nephews. The Celebration of her Life will be held at 2:00 p.m. Saturday, April 7, 2012, at Trinity United Methodist Church, 237 North Water Avenue, Idaho Falls, with Reverend Brenda Sene officiating. Edith will be inurned with Wayne at a later date in the Arlington National Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests a donation to Trinity United Methodist Church.

Memorial Services -- Saturday

2:00 p.m. ,Saturday, April 7, 2012 Trinity United Methodist Church 237 North Water Avenue Idaho Falls, ID 83402 Notes: Edith will be inurned with Wayne at a later date in the Arlington National Cemetery.