Martha "Jean" Knepshield

Martha “Jean” Knepshield, 100, formerly of Bethel Township, passed away Sunday, June 15, 2025, at Armstrong Nursing and Rehabilitation Center, Kittanning.

Born May 20, 1925, in Omaha, Nebraska, she was a daughter of the late O.T. and Mildred (Slagle) LaMar.

Jean was raised in Colorado and California.  She met her husband Dwight in Burbank, California, while he served in the Air Force during World War II.  They were married on May 16, 1943, in Cruthersville, Missouri. Jean worked at Lock Head Aircraft in Burbank while her husband was stationed in Havana, Cuba.

She enjoyed sewing and crocheting, having made hats and scarves for the homeless, and afghans for family and friends.  She loved working with her plants and flowers and spending time with friends and family.

She is survived by her children: Ronald (Mary Ann) Knepshield of Vandergrift, Monty Knepshield (Juanita Ross) of Vandergrift, and Lisa (Scott) Covert of New Kensington; her grandchildren: Ryan (Casey) Knepshield, Michelle (Eric) Corna, Heather Smail, Abby (Jason) Harkleroad, and Grace (Alex) Fiscus; 16 great-grandchildren; and one great-great-grandchild.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her stepfather, Emil Shaffer; her husband, I. Dwight Knepshield; two infant granddaughters and their mother, Sherry; and her adopted aunt, Louise Wong.

Friends will be welcomed from 2-4 and 6-8 p.m. Thursday, at Welch Funeral Service, LLC, 1032 Fourth Ave., Ford City, where services will be held at 10 a.m. Friday, with Rev. Barbara Love officiating.  Interment will follow in Lawn Haven Burial Estates.  To share memories or condolences, please visit www.welchfh.com.

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