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Sylvia Knibbs
1935 – 2024
Sylvia Knibbs (née Haynes), beloved wife of the late Gerald “Jerry” Knibbs, passed away peacefully in Lethbridge on Sunday, May 5, 2024, at the age of 88 years.
Sylvia is survived by her daughters Carol Lee Knibbs and Cheryl Lee (Matt) Kelenc of Lethbridge; granddaughter LeAnna Lee Kalvi, grandson Reed McCowan and great grandsons Logan and Luke McCowan; sister Marlene (Darel) Smathers, son-in-law Joe Kalvi, and sisters-in-law Ann Knibbs (née Voth), and Gail Sanderson (née Knibbs).
She was predeceased by her husband Jerry Knibbs; parents Marald Haynes and Laura Haynes (née Stewart) Roberts; daughters Charlene Joanie Knibbs in infancy, and Laurel Lee Kalvi (née Knibbs); sisters Edna Jensen, and Beth Moore; brothers Reece Haynes, and Ross Haynes; brothers-in-law Ross Jensen, Alvin Moore, and stepfather James Roberts.
Sylvia was born in Taber on May 12, 1935. She was a Mother’s Day present, and was the third of six children. Her early school years were split between Picture Butte and Taber, then in her teens, her parents purchased a farm north of Taber and she completed her education. In 1953, Sylvia married Jerry Knibbs and they moved to the Knibbs family homestead in Grassy Lake. Her early years of marriage were filled with playing for dances on Friday and Saturday nights with Jerry’s band, the Melody Wranglers. She initially played the bass fiddle and then later switched to playing the drums for his band. Her Sunday summer afternoons were spent watching baseball games that Jerry had been asked to announce.
Sylvia also while raising her daughters, helped take care of Jerry’s parents and assisted Jerry with the farm work and cattle. She tended two huge vegetable gardens, raised chickens for the freezer and for family, canned and froze fruits and vegetables and made jams and jellies for the pantry. She was a wonderful cook, baker and seamstress keeping her daughters in beautiful clothing. She also made amazing Barbie doll clothes, both sewn and knit for the girls dolls.
During this time, Sylvia belonged to and was very active in numerous community organizations in Grassy Lake, and was active in her church. In 1979, Jerry and Sylvia sold the farm and moved to Lethbridge where they began their retirement.
During her years in Lethbridge, Sylvia enjoyed crafting, knitting, sewing, quilting, bowling, golf, a bit of travel, callings in her church, babysitting her granddaughter, and the children of friends, and helping her girls get established in their homes.
A stroke in 2011 slowed her down a bit, but she still loved to bowl, play Bingo, and spend time with her daughters and granddaughter, visit with her sister Marlene and spend time with friends.
Sylvia has been blessed to live the past six years in two great senior’s communities. Black Rock Terrace for four years, and the last two years she resided at Fairmont Extendicare.
It was Sylvia’s greatest desire for her family to honour her with a private Burial Service at the Taber Memorial Garden.
If friends so desire, memorial tributes in Sylvia’s name may be made directly to the charity of one’s personal choice.
From the bottom of their hearts, Sylvia’s family wishes to give thanks to her fellow residents, nurses, doctors, care aids, and administrative staff for the friendships and wonderful care that Sylvia received at these facilities.
1935 2024
Death notice for the town of: Taber, Province: Alberta
death notice Sylvia Knibbs 1935 2024
obituaries notice Sylvia Knibbs 1935 2024
We offer our deepest sympathies to the family and friends of Sylvia Knibbs 1935 2024 and hope that their memory may be a source of comfort during this difficult time. Your thoughts and kind words are greatly appreciated.
