Joan W. Knowles

Joan W. Knowles of Ransomville, NY passed away peacefully on Sunday, June 14, 2026. She was 89 .

Born in Niagara Falls, NY on August 15, 1936, Joan was the daughter of the late Newti F. and Clara M. (Allen) Waters. She was a 1955 graduate of Wilson High School. On November 26, 1955, she married Ray A. Knowles in the Ransomville Baptist Church, and together they made their home in Ransomville, raising their family with love, devotion, and a deep sense of community.

Joan worked for many years with the Niagara County Department of Social Services, serving as a Senior Social Welfare Examiner until her retirement in 1992. Her work reflected her compassionate nature and her commitment to helping others.

Joan enjoyed a full and joyful life. She loved square dancing, playing dominos and cards, and traveling with Ray to visit friends near and far. Her church was an important part of her life, as was the time she cherished with her children, grandchildren, and great‑grandchildren. Her warmth, kindness, and steady presence will be deeply missed by all who knew her.

In addition to her parents and her beloved husband Ray, Joan was predeceased by her brother, George Waters and her dear friend, Lloyd Schmelzle.

She is survived by her loving children, Sharon E. (Kenneth) Twist, Thomas A. (Lynn) Knowles, and Rosemarie A. (Arthur) Sabey; her cherished grandchildren, Jasmine (Scott), Shelby (Joseph), Stephanie (Mark), Justin (Lindsay), Andrew (Dawna), and Tim (Bonnie); and her adored great‑grandchildren, Sierra, Ethan, Mackenzie, Gavin, Joey, Evelynn, Josephine, Michael, Milo, Celeste, Amaya, and Arturo. She is also survived by her dear brother, Larry (Prudence) Waters; caring sister‑in‑law, Ida Mae Waters; as well as several nieces and nephews.

The family will be present to receive friends on Saturday, June 20, 2026 from 11 AM–1 PM at HARDISON FUNERAL HOMES, INC., 3648 Ransomville Road, Ransomville, where Funeral Services will follow at 1 PM. Interment will be in Acacia Park Cemetery, Town of Pendleton. Friends invited.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made in Joan’s honor to the American Heart Association.

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