Leona "Lee" Knowlton, 101 of Sioux Falls, SD, passed away on Thursday, February 13, 2025, at the Bethany Home - Brandon.

Visitation with the family present will be from 4 to 6 pm with a Celebration of Life service at 5 pm on Friday, February 21, 2025, at Miller Funeral Home, 507 South Main Avenue. Private interment will be at Woodlawn Cemetery. All memorials can be sent in her honor to the Sioux Falls Humane Society or Children's Home Society.

Leona was born to Robert & Irene Jeffries on October 9, 1923 in West Des Moines, IA.  She graduated from Valley High School in January of 1941.  She then attended Business College in Des Moines Iowa.  Her first full time job was at Ft. Des Moines Army Post.  Later she worked as a secretary-bookkeeper for 25 years in many different cities.

She married Harold Knowlton on May 10, 1944 in LaJolla California.  After returning from servings overseas in the Marines, they lived in Des Moines and Sioux City Iowa.  In December 1955 Harold & Lee adopted Thomas Jeffrey and then in April of 1958 they adopted Ann Elizabeth.  In June 1964 the family moved to Sioux Falls where Lee worked for Fantle's and Girton Adams.

While an active member of First United Methodist Church, she served on many boards & committees.  She was local President of United Methodists Women in 1973-1974 and again in 1995.  She also served on the Conference of United Methodist Women for 12 years.  She was very active in PEO Chapter CF, Center for Active Generations and Elwood Ladies Golf Association.  She was also a former member of Eastern Star, Toastmistress and League of Women Voters.

Lee LOVED volunteering in Mission work through her church beginning in 1996.  She worked in the Indian Schools in Espanola New Mexico and Tempe Arizona.  She also volunteered through the mission work in Nashville Tennessee.  She wanted to visit as many places as physically possible including trips all over the US, Europe and her most beloved trip was to the Hold Land.

Family was her top priority and brought her such pride and happiness.  She was preceded in death by her parents Robert & Irene Jeffries; husband Harold in 1995, and son Tom in 2009.  Leona left her love and legacy to daughter Ann Renken (Dana) Brandon SD; granddaughter Kelli Ann Vellema (Mike) Brandon SD, grandson Jacob Newbrough (Brittany) LeMars IA; Great Grandchildren Nya, Brecken & Graham Vellema Brandon SD; Finley, Everly & Killian Newbrough (LeMars IA).