Sept. 18, 1929 — Jan. 29, 2016

Claire E. Knapp, 86, of Marcellus, Michigan, passed away Friday, Jan. 29, 2016, following a brief illness.

She was born Sept. 18, 1929, in Dowagiac, Michigan the daughter of Harvey E. and Christine D. (Cowham) Elsey. On June 5, 1949, in Wakelee, Michigan she married Fred R. Knapp who preceded her in death.

Claire retired from G.W. Jones Exchange Bank in Cassopolis, Michigan as the branch manager. She was a member of the Wakelee United Methodist Church, the Sew–n- Sew’s and various Bible Studies. She was also frequently seen at The Farmhouse Bakery in Vandalia

She is survived by her daughter Vicki (George) Brossman of Vandalia, Michigan; one brother, Robert (Mary) Elsey of Marcellus; two grandchildren, Amy E. (Pat) Kelley and Sara L. (David) Kieffer and six great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by two daughters, Karen L. and Gwendolyn C. Knapp and one brother, Howard Elsey.

The family will receive friends from 2 to 4 p.m. and 6 to 8 p.m. Monday, Feb. 1, 2016 in the Mater-Ralston Funeral Home, Marcellus.

Funeral services will be held at 2 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 2, 2016, in the funeral home with Pastor John Messner of the Wakelee United Methodist Church officiating. Burial will follow at Marcellus Cemetery.

Memorials may be directed the Wakelee United Methodist Church. Online condolences may be left at www.materralstonfuneralhome.com