Beverly Anne Knapp

Beverly (Bev) Anne Knapp, 88, passed away February 12, 2022, at her home in Paola, Kansas. Memorial services will be held 1:30 p.m., Wednesday, February 16, 2022, at the Lighthouse Presbyterian Church, Paola. Bev was born November 26, 1933, in Centerville, Kansas, the daughter of Harry and Bernice Quaintance. She graduated from Parker High School with the class of 1951. Bev ran a grocery store in Centerville early in her life and later a career as a medical secretary at KU Medical Center. She was united in marriage to Calvin Knapp on November 3, 1978. They made their home in Wellsville, Kansas, where they were both involved in the Wellsville community. Bev moved to Paola upon the passing of Calvin. In Paola, Bev was a member of the Lighthouse Church and attended the senior center where she enjoyed fellowship, bible study and playing cards with friends. Notably, Bev was a loving wife, mother and grandmother. She was a published children’s book author, piano teacher, wildlife rescuer, foster grandma for elementary students, and baker of cookies. Bev was preceded in death by her parents Harry and Bernice Quaintance; husband Calvin Knapp; son Dana Bigelow and daughter, Deb Burchett. Survivors include her son, Larry Bigelow (Jeanne); bonus son Tracey Knapp (Ruth Ann); granddaughters Jami Thomas (Aaron) and Joni Reed (Andrew); grandsons Josiah (Shannon), Jonathan, Judah (Hannah), Joel, Jesse, Jason Bigelow, J.D. Knapp, and Brock Knapp; sisters Sue Dumcum and Jacquelyn Smith; 7 great grandchildren; many nieces, nephews, great-nieces and great-nephews. The family suggests memorial contributions to Lighthouse Church in Paola c/o Dengel & Son Mortuary, 235 S. Hickory, Ottawa, Kansas 66067. Family and friends are encouraged to post their condolences and memories on Bev’s Tribute Wall at www.dengelmortuary.com