Thelma Rella Knapp, 86, of Granite City, Illinois passed away at 7:37 a.m. on Monday, April 7, 2025, at Anderson Hospital in Maryville.
She was born August 15, 1938, in Granite City, a daughter of the late Joseph and Elma (Stephens) Rudnicki.
She married William N. Knapp on August 11, 1956, in Granite City and he survives.
She had worked for Susman Schermer Law Firm and various other firms as a legal assistant and paralegal throughout the years. Rella was a licensed minister and had served as a Director of Christian Education and as a bookkeeper with Tri-City Assembly of God.
She was a faithful member of Tri-City Assembly of God Church where she was active with the Seasoned Saints, served as a Sunday school director and enjoyed teaching and studying the Bible. She will be remembered for the love and special times shared with her family and friends.
Rella always enjoyed hosting a grand event or party. She enjoyed days of fishing, buying and selling antiques and was always ready to wear her jewelry and get dressed up for a special day. She was known to love her pink bubble gum and powdered sugar doughnuts.
In addition to her beloved husband, she is survived by a son, William V. Knapp of Granite City; daughter-in-law, Judith A. Knapp of Granite City; sister, Carol Cooper of Granite City; three nieces and two nephews, Denise and Barry Shepherd of Granite City, Melissa and Rufus Valencia of Maryville and Melinda Cooper of Granite City; Goddaughter, Tessa Bierlein of Spring Hill, Tennessee; brother-in-law and sister-in-law, Kenneth and Carol Crick of Edwardsville; several great nieces and great nephews; great-great nephews; other extended family and friends.
In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her son, Michael Alan Knapp; father-in-law and mother-in-law, Arthur and Ruth Knapp and a brother-in-law, Dennis Cooper.
In celebration of her life, visitation will be at Tri-City Assembly of God Church, 3400 Maryville Road in Granite City on Thursday, April 10, 2025, from 10:00 a.m. until time of a funeral service at 12:00 noon with Rev. Barry Shepherd, Rev. Rufus Valencia and Rev. Don Stratton officiating. Burial will follow at St. John Cemetery on Maryville Road in Granite City.
Memorials may be made to the family. Irwin Chapel of Granite City in charge of arrangements. Condolences may be accepted online at www.irwinchapel.com.
