Dorothy Gage (Dot/Granny) Knapp

Dot was born in Akeley, Pa., to Walter Strand and Agnes Lewis Gage on September 19, 1939. She was raised on a farm with her brothers, Dick and Lewie, and her foster sister, Vonnie, along with several other foster children. She was a lifelong Warren County resident. On Feb. 1, 1958, Dot married her high school sweetheart and the love of her life, Thomas. They shared a love that everyone dreams of, a love that lasted 68 years, a love that lasts a lifetime. With this love came three children, Kelli, Pam and Tom. She was in the first class to graduate from the new Eisenhower High School in 1957. Twenty-two years later, Eisenhower once again became her second home.

Dot was a hardworking and dedicated secretary to the principal at Eisenhower High School for 26 years, from 1979 through 2005, when she retired. She was the heart of the school and loved dearly by faculty, staff, and students. The little red chair by her desk was often occupied by a student who just had to share something or get her advice – or to bring her a little pig trinket. Any past student who hears her name says, “I know Mrs. Knapp. I loved her!” She always had time to listen to a funny story or to dry a tear. She treated the students as though they were her own children, because in a way, they were.

She supported all sports, theater, music, and extracurricular events. Dot was the loudest fan at IKE football games, proudly ringing her COWBELL! She attended band competitions, choir concerts, sporting events, and plays, and she was there because she cared. She was a proud and enthusiastic member of the Football Boosters and enjoyed hosting end-of-the-season celebrations in her home. She continued to be Eisenhower’s biggest fan and cheerleader throughout her life.

One of her greatest enjoyments in life was gathering with her Ladies Literary Society, with her dearest friends Mary, Mickey, and Barb. Dot also loved to watch the birds and other little critters out of the big picture window in her kitchen, and she made sure that Tom kept the feeders full! She also loved her home, where she lived since 1976. There was nowhere that she would rather be. Dot was a proud and supportive resident of Sugar Grove and she worked hard to help keep her community beautiful.

Dorothy Gage (Dot/Granny) Knapp

She was excited to become a grandmother and was so proud of her grandchildren. She supported them at every life event! They brought such joy to her life, and they are so fortunate to have had her for so many years. She was a wonderful Granny! She was full of kindness, wisdom, strength, and love. She welcomed everyone with an open heart and open arms. Everyone she loved was lucky to have been loved by her.

Dot is survived by her loving husband, Thomas K. Knapp; her three children, Kelli Knapp of Warren, Pamela (Greg) Krogler of Warren, and Thomas G. (Dot) Knapp of Sugar Grove; her five grandchildren, Alix Todd, Rebecca (Rocco) DelPrince, Kayla Knapp, Lyssa Knapp, and Carter Knapp; her great-granddaughter Harper Knapp; and her foreign exchange student, Mauricio Vega of Columbia, South America. She also leaves behind many other family members and friends who will miss her deeply.

Dot was preceded in death by her parents, Walter and Agnes Gage; her brothers, Lewis Gage and Richard Gage; her foster sister, LaVonne Cerce; and her infant granddaughter, Christina Wagner.

The graveside service will be private for immediate family only. A Celebration of Life will be held at a later date.

Dot asked that, in lieu of flowers, donations be made to Eisenhower Ike Pride, c/o Eisenhower Middle High School, 3700 Rte. 957, Russell, PA 16345, or to a charity of your choice. Thank you.

Arrangements have been entrusted to the Donald E. Lewis Funeral Home, Inc., 304 East St., Warren, PA. E-mail condolences may be sent by visiting www.lewisfuneralhomeinc.com.