Obituary of Elizabeth Kneebone

Elizabeth (Libby) M. Kneebone, 91, died peacefully in her sleep the Atrium, The Village at Penn State, during the wee hours of January 30, 2014. Born Elizabeth Costen Morgan, second child, first daughter of George Brooks Morgan Sr., and Beulah Brown Hunter Morgan, at home in Corapeake, North Carolina. Growing up on the rural farm, complete with goat cart and pony, Libby completed high school and was fondly regarded by her 5 siblings as their second mother. She attended Greensboro College, beginning in 1941, when it was an all-girls college. She majored in Religious Studies, with a minor in Speech. Known and enjoyed by her friends for her beauty, kindness and wit, Libby was introduced on a blind date, by her roommate to a handsome red haired Army First Lieutenant, Leon Kneebone. Imagine Leon's surprise when a gorgeous black haired beauty stepped off the bus to meet him in a cherry red dress. (He had requested a blonde, and no one in his family wore red because of their own red hair!). Their second date was a Penn State College (prior to becoming a university) vs University of North Carolina football game in Chapel Hill, NC, in 1943. This was a meeting of destiny. They fell in love, and were engaged before Leon was sent to the South Pacific Theatre during World War II. Leon was critically wounded December 7, 1944 on Leyte, The Philippines. As part of his convalescence, he was allowed leave to return stateside, and the joyous decision was made to have their wedding on May 5, 1945 in the local Methodist Church. Libby had two weeks to plan and execute a beautiful wedding, with her sisters and college pals as attendants. Libby and Leon were married for 68 wonderful years. Libby was the first of her college class to marry, and was the only married student at her graduation. Her first job was at Hay Street Methodist Church in Fayetteville, NC. She was their first Director of Christian Education. Following Leon's discharge from the 82nd Airborne in 1946, they came to Penn State for his graduate work, and have been in State College ever since. They are avid football fans. A most significant event was their membership at St. Paul's Methodist Church. Libby was deeply involved for the rest of her life with the people and programs of her church. She was the Chairman of the Primary Department in Sunday School, President of the Friendship Class, President of the United Methodist Women, District President of the United Methodist Women (62 churches) and Delegate to the National Convention in Houston, Texas. She served on the Board of Trustees, the Board of Bethany Village, and the Board of United Methodist Retirement Homes at both Tyrone and Epworth Manor. She was a Lay Delegate for St Paul's for 10 years to the Annual Conference. She was a charter member of the hospital visitation, and charter member of the visits to shut-ins for her church. Libby was community minded, using her gentle kindness to serve in many capacities. She was a charter member and 29 consecutive year driver for Meals on Wheels. She was a volunteer at the hospital for 25 years as hostess in the family surgery waiting room. She was president of the State College Women's Club and chairman of many of their committees. Libby's love for creation, especially flowers which she grew and shared is a hallmark her friends will remember. She carefully planned, planted and tended countless gardens, growing dozens of varieties of flowers. She was known for the flower arrangements she created and shared generously with church, family, friends and shut-ins. Libby made their homes beautiful with her handmade afghan and personal touches, whether it was a one bedroom, a third floor walk-up apartment, or the homes on South Patterson Street or Fairway Road. Over the years, her hobbies included, crochet, photography, oil/acrylic painting, framing, pottery, tatting and gardening. She was the mother to three: Patricia (Roy Shirley), Steve (Eiko) and Eileen (Lang). She was the grandmother of Kim, Doug, and Rebecca Shirley, Ashleigh, Tucker and Morgan Lang. She was the great grandmother of Tyrissa and Sierrah Hackett, Noah, Luke and Eli Shirley. In addition, she is survived by her dear sister Beulah Brown Herbin, and many extended family in North Carolina. Libby was loved by family, friends and acquaintances. She will be missed. The Family wants to express deepest appreciation to the staff at the Atrium at the Village a Penn State where Libby lived for her last eight years. Their love and care cannot be excelled. Friends and family will be received from 9:30 until the start of the service Tuesday, February 4 at St. Paul's Methodist Church, College Avenue. The service will be at 11:00 AM, followed by burial at Centre County Memorial Park. Contributions in Libby's memory can be made to St. Paul's Methodist church or to the United Way of Centre County. Arrangements are under the care of Koch Funeral Home. Online condolences and signing of the guest book may be entered at www.kochfuneralhome.com.