Jo Lou Knoll

Jo Lou Knoll passed peacefully in her sleep the morning of Dec. 24, 2017. She was born April 24, 1933, in Billings, to George and Ella Hammer. She and her husband, Jim Knoll, had a very happy 41-year marriage - admired by many for the deep love and respect they had for one another. He preceded her in death in 1995. Jo Lou worked for the school district as an elementary school secretary for 32 years until she retired in 1995.

When she found herself alone after Jim's death, her motto became, "Busy is good!" She always believed God brought her together with Mary Lou Wagner and Jody Nunley. Following their great adventure traveling to New York City, they became traveling companions and, out of their adventures, Global Grannies was born. Jo Lou traveled the world with the Global Grannies for the next 20 years. The adventures and stories brought her joy and fulfilled her desire for travel and relationships. In addition to the Global Grannies, Jo Lou was very involved in PEO, her weekly bible study, attendance at Faith Chapel and many, many social activities. She was always guided by her deep belief in God that shined out to all who had the privilege to know her. She will be remembered for her love and acceptance of others, her calm demeanor, sense of humor, positive outlook on life and steadfast belief in God.

Jo Lou is preceded in death by her parents and her sister Marjie Jahn. Jo Lou is survived by her daughter, Teri (Chuck) Goodwin of Auburn, Washington; son Ken (Kathy) Knoll of Helena; her grandchildren, Amy Knoll of Helena, Stephen (Annie) Knoll of New York City, Dory (Randy) Foster of Seattle and Tessa Goodwin of Honolulu; her nieces, Sharon (Jay) Dernovshek of Atlanta, Dolly Jahn (Scott Howland) of Billings; and many special grandnephews and grandnieces. She is also survived by her very dear "soul sister" Mary Lou Wagner - her travel buddy, adventurer seeker and fellow prayer warrior.

Her memorial celebration will be at 11 a.m.Friday, Jan. 5, at Faith Chapel, 517 Shiloh Road .

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to The Friendship House, 3123 Eighth Ave. S., Billings, MT 59101; PEO Chapter E PEO Projects, 3814 Towhee Lane, Billings, MT 59102; or Faith Chapel, 517 Shiloh Road, Billings, MT 59102.