HERKIMER-Shirley M. Knapp age 86, passed away peacefully on Saturday evening November 16, 2019 in Saint Elizabeth's Medical Center, Utica. She had the support and comfort of her loving family by her side. Shirley was born on January 4, 1933 in Utica, daughter of the late Elmer and Mary Frazier Rook. A lifelong area resident she was raised in Utica and was a graduate of Utica Free Academy. On September 26, 1953 she was united in marriage to Harold L. Knapp in Saint Patricks' RC Church in Utica. They made their home in the town of Schuyler where she had served as Town Clerk for seventeen years. In 1995 they moved to Herkimer. Over the years Mrs. Knapp had worked for GLF (Agway), Sexton Insurance Company, General Electric, Remington Arms, Blue Cross Blue Shield. Shirley was very active with the Republican Party. For 28 years she was a Constituent Worker in the offices of Senator James Donovan, Senator William Sears and Senator James Seward and for eleven years with the Herkimer County Clerk, Sylvia Rowan. Shirley had a strong faith in God and was a member of the Mohawk Reformed Church. In her leisure time she was an avid reader, enjoyed going to soccer games, spending time with all her grandchildren, watching her daily dose of Wheel Of Fortune and Jeopardy, working in her flower garden as well as baking and cooking for her family. To all who knew her she was a caring, hardworking and selfless lady who was always ready and willing to do for others. She was happiest when she was surrounded by her many friends and family, especially her cherished grandchildren and great grandchildren. She will be sadly missed. Surviving are her devoted husband of sixty-six years, Harold, three sons, Erick Knapp and his wife Deborah of Forestport, David Knapp of Big Fork, MT, John Knapp and his wife Lori of Frankfort, one daughter, Elizabeth Lepper and her husband David of Syracuse, two brothers, James Rook of FL, Elmer Rook and his wife Barbara of Elmira, two sisters, Mary Talerico of Columbus, OH, Margaret Smith of New Hartford, six grandchildren, Cherylynn, Michael, Gregory, Alyssa, Claire and Dale, three great grandchildren, Trinity, Ella and Carter, many nieces, nephews and cousins. Besides her parents she was preceded in death by their daughter Judith Ann Knapp. A Memorial Service for Mrs. Knapp will be held on Sunday at 1:00 pm in the Mohawk Reformed Church. The Reverend Brian Engel, Pastor will officiate. Immediately after the service everyone is invited down stairs to the Fellowship Hall where a Celebration of Life will take place. Expressions of sympathy may be made with memorial donations to the Folts Brook, 104 North Washington Street; Herkimer, NY 13350, envelopes will be available at the church service and please plant Red Gerbera Daisy in her memory next spring. Funeral arrangements are with Fenner Funeral Home, Inc., 115 Court Street; Herkimer. Funeral Service

Sunday, November 24, 2019 1:00 PM

Mohawk Reformed Church Otsego Street Mohawk, NY 13407