Betty Ann Knox

Betty’s journey started with her birth in O’Neill, NE. on December 11, 1950 and raised in several small towns during her early years, as her father worked on farms throughout Nebraska. Finally settled in Lavista (Omaha area) in her 8th grade year and graduating from Papillion High School in 1969.

She attended Wayne State College and graduated in 1973, with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Education and taught her first students in Columbus, NE.

Then she moved back to Omaha to teach at St. Bernadette School until she received her calling to the Community of the Franciscan Sisters of Our Lady of Perpetual Help, in 1981. She professed her vows in St. Louis on October 2nd,1988, close to the Feast Day of St. Francis.

As Sr. Elizabeth Marie, she taught school in Monroe, LA and DeSoto, MO. with a special love for the 1st Communion classes of her 2nd grade students.

She continued to serve within the OSF Community for 25 years and was the creator of their copyright logo, making her very proud. (We have lovingly displayed that logo on the back.) After that time, she started to explore her love of the Arts and chose her true love of working with clay, by making handmade pottery.

Betty also worked in the hospital cafeteria at Franciscan Health in Michigan City, IN. to support herself, which helped her complete her dream of buying a home. This started her new, found interest in gardening, that was very rewarding and one she loved!

She retired in December 2023 to enjoy time with her hobbies and days of reflection . . . until April 3rd, 2025, when she passed peacefully into everlasting life.

Betty was preceded in death by her parents, William C. and Helen M. Knox; and nephews, Brett and Derek Riley.

She is survived by her sisters and brothers-in-law, Connie (Mike) Peterson, Deloris (Larry) Riley, Pam Knox-Retikis, (Vytas); nieces and nephews, Matt, Chelsi (Tim), Brandon (Taylor), Haelli (Jason); 9 great nieces and nephews; and many dear friends, including Ted Perzanowski, to cherish her memory.

VISITATION Saturday, April 12, 2025 from 10:15-11:15am followed by a FUNERAL MASS at 11:15am, all at St. Columbkille Catholic Church, 200E. 6th St, Papillion. BURIAL at St. John’s Cemetery, Bellevue.

Contributions in Betty's memory may be made to Franciscan Sisters of Our Lady of Perpetual Help, 335 South Kirkwood Road, St. Louis, Missouri 63122.