Florence Marie (Peterson) Kneebone obituary
Florence Marie (Peterson) Kneebone died March 18. Always a strong and independent woman, she finally succumbed to the pancreatic cancer that dominated the last months of her life.
She was born in Butte, Mont. on Sept. 30, 1931 to Olive and Grant Peterson. A premature birth, the doctor had little hope for the infant girl who fit so easily in her father’s hand. The physician summoned for the home delivery instructed Olive to keep her baby warm in the kitchen oven. He was amazed to find the infant alive the next day. That instinct for survival served Florence well throughout a remarkable life that spanned the Great Depression, World War II, the Women’s Movement, the Space Age, natural disasters and more wars, to current events and the remarkable technologies of today.
Florence was an intelligent woman with many talents. As a child, she played first violin in the Montana State Symphony Orchestra beside state Governor-to-be, Tim Babcock. She also mastered the piano and acoustic guitar, and was proud of having perfect pitch. She learned to knit, crochet and embroider at her mother’s side.
She hunted pheasants, ducks and deer under her father’s tutelage. Camping and fishing were family passions. Florence helped out at the family farm in her youth, and as a result, was glad to eschew horses later in life. She loved to keep a beautifully landscaped yard.
A life-long learner, she went to nurses’ training to become an LPN while her children were in grade school. She then launched a career at St. Luke Hospital in Ronan that spanned 30 years and proved instrumental in launching the “Mission Valley Miracle,” which created the St. Luke Extended Care Facility. Throughout her life, Florence loved the outdoors, animals, and flowers.
An avid reader, she was a remarkable fountain of knowledge to anyone needing information. She enjoyed listening to music of all genres, played her piano for pleasure, enjoyed painting in oil and acrylics, and loved her home computer. She will be remembered for her eclectic sense of fashion and unique jewelry.
Florence married Richard John (Jack) Kneebone in 1950. She gave birth to two daughters; Linda Joye (Kneebone) Cox of Polson, and Jeanine Marie (Kneebone) Thomas of Ronan. She was preceded in death by her parents, husband, and her cherished dog, Baby.
Florence is survived by her daughters and sons-in-law Linda (Garth) Cox and Jeanine (Barry) Thomas. Survivors also include her dearly beloved sister, Rose Freeman of Pablo; her brother Bill Peterson of Pablo; grandchildren Jennifer (Bill) Mitchell, Michele (Jeff) Thomas-Mador, Jeremy (Kara) Cox, Heather Thomas, Chris Thomas; and great-grandchildren Courtney Mitchell, Eric Duncan, and Dustin Mitchell, as well as numerous nieces and nephews. Florence treasured her family.
This remarkable woman was loved by many who knew her and experienced her sharp wit and sense of humor. She was thankful for the blessings in her life and learned from the difficulties.
Florence would have liked to join her daughters in thanking the special people who helped her so much in her final journey: Dr. Heather Jones, who as Florence’s personal physician bestowed loving and insightful care and was a remarkable source of comfort to both Florence and her family; Rose, who was willing to help her big sister at any hour of the day; Mel, who provided medical counsel and support; Lake County Home Options Hospice staff who helped ease her pain; and the wonderful employees of St. Luke Community Healthcare who knew her as more than just a client and treated her like family. Special thanks to Florence’s faithful companion Kisses the cat and Kisses’ owner, Lorma, who recognized Florence’s love of animals and together with the extended care staff brought Florence the joy of feline companionship by allowing Kisses to have visitation rights.
Cremation has taken place. No services are planned at this time per Florence’s request.
A private celebration of her life will be conducted by her family at a later date. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Florence’s honor to the American Cancer Society or the Lake County Animal Shelter.