Betty Marie (Martin) Kniss Obituary (1929

Betty Marie (Martin) Kniss, 89, of Harrisonburg, passed away on Tuesday April 3, 2018 at the Burkholder House of Virginia Mennonite Retirement Community. Mrs. Kniss was born on January 22, 1929 in Hagerstown, MD and was a daughter of the late J.D. Earl and Edna (Cunningham) Martin. She graduated from the Hospital School of Nursing in Hagerstown in 1951 where she received several awards. She later graduated from Eastern Mennonite College in 1952 with a Bachelor of Science. Betty served with her husband from 1959 until 1973 in medical work in Bihar, India under the Mennonite Mission Board of Elkhart, IN. Upon their return to the United States in 1973, their family settled in Harrisonburg. She was a member of Ridgeway Mennonite Church where she taught Sunday School and Summer Bible School and was a leader of the Women's Bible Study. Betty visited with many people in their homes and in the hospital. During the 1980's she helped resettle refugees and enjoyed lasting friendships with them. On July 6, 1952 she married Dr. Mark A. Kniss, who preceded her in death on June 6, 2014. Betty is survived by her children, Lois Kniss of Richmond, VA, James M. Kniss of Mount Joy, PA, Robert E. Kniss (Brenda) of Harrisonburg, Eric A. Kniss (Brenda) of Bridgewater; a sister, Margaret M. Gehman; and five grandchildren, Kevin D. Jones (Jinju), Kristen M. Jones, Andrew R. Kniss (Marta), Jennifer M. Kniss, James Paul Kniss. In addition to her husband and parents, Mrs. Kniss was preceded in death by her brothers, Earl Martin Jr., and Donald E. Martin. A memorial service will be held on Saturday April 7 at 2 PM at Ridgeway Mennonite Church, 546 E. Franklin St., Harrisonburg, VA 22801 with Pastor Ben Risser officiating. The family will receive friends on Friday evening from 6 until 8 PM at Ridgeway Mennonite Church. Honoring Mrs. Kniss' request, her body was donated to the Virginia Anatomical Board. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Mennonite Mission Network, P.O. Box 370, Elkhart, IN 46515; or to Virginia Mennonite Missions, 901 Parkwood Dr., Harrisonburg, VA 22802. Those wishing may share a memory or an online condolence by visiting www.mcmullenfh.com Arrangements entrusted to the McMullen Funeral Home.