Obituaries

S. Elaine "Dolly" (Middleton) Knowles, 94, died of natural causes in Monona, WI on Sept. 8, 2015. She was born Aug. 23, 1921 in Camden, NJ, the daughter of Oscar Kelso and Sybil (MacIntyre) Middleton. Her father worked for Campbell's Soup Company, and the family moved to LaGrange, IL, in 1929. She graduated from Lyons Township High School, LaGrange, in 1939 and Lyons Township Junior College in 1941. On Jan. 31, 1942 she married George F. Knowles of LaGrange, prior to his World War II service with the Canadian Army in Europe.

Elaine and George enjoyed a full life. They traveled throughout Europe and the U.S. Over the years they resided in Canada, Illinois, Colorado, Wisconsin, New Jersey, Texas, and Italy where they lived and worked for nearly two years. They built several new homes, remodeled five old country homes, and owned and operated three farms. After George passed away, Elaine ventured to Florida, Madison, and Northern Wisconsin but always returned to Janesville. Altogether she moved more than 35 times.

Throughout her life, Elaine thrived on challenges, always with enthusiasm and a smile. With each new adventure, she figured out how to get the job done. This city girl learned to grow a huge garden, can produce, swing a hammer, hang wallpaper, drive a tractor, and lead a Girl Scout troop, all while keeping house and raising two children. She created useful and beautiful things such as braided wool rugs, clothing for the family, and antique furniture restorations. Her sweet sense of humor and many puns brought smiles to all, and she absolutely loved her puppy dogs.

She became a realtor in Colorado, Wisconsin and Illinois but since George's career required frequent moves, she often took short-term bookkeeping positions. In Italy she volunteered at the American school. In Janesville, she sold real estate and was Paul Ryan's first volunteer for his 1997-98 Congressional campaign, then worked in his office until her retirement in 2006.

Elaine was preceded in death by her parents; her husband (1987); two older brothers, Oscar Kelso "Kel" Middleton, Jr. and John Leonard Middleton; and special friend, Bud Marshall. Surviving are her daughter Marsha (Peter) Cannon of Madison; son George Knowles, Jr. of Lake Geneva; and several nieces and nephews.

The family thanks the gracious and caring staff at Heritage Monona; Agrace HospiceCare, Madison; and Huntington Place, Janesville.

A graveside memorial will be held at 11:00 am on Sunday, Oct. 25 at the Darien, WI Cemetery, followed by a celebration of her life at Lake Lawn Lodge, Delavan. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to a charity of your choice or to the Lyons Township High School for the Elaine Middleton Knowles Memorial Scholarship. Please note the scholarship name in the memo line and mail to the high school, in care of the LTHS College Center, 100 S. Brainard Ave., LaGrange, IL 60525. Ryan Funeral Home in Madison is serving the family.

To view and sign this guestbook, please visit: www.ryanfuneralservice.com