Nellie Marie Kittle-Knott, age 83, passed away peacefully, surrounded by her husband and family on Friday, April 28, 2023 in Stillwater, Oklahoma. A celebration of her life will begin at 2:30 p.m. Saturday, May 6, 2023 at the Strode Funeral Home Chapel. Interment will follow in Fairlawn Cemetery. Family, friends, and others whose lives Nellie touched are invited to attend. Strode Funeral Home and Cremation is in charge of the arrangements.
Nellie was born April 4, 1940, in Stillwater, Oklahoma to Irvin and Lucy Bell Anderson. She was the third of seven children. Nellie married Herbert Kittle in 1957, in Kansas. The couple had six children, C.L., Russell, Chris, Terri, Debbie, and Tammie. Nellie took being a mom very seriously and elegantly balanced raising six children as a working mom. She loved her children unconditionally and was so proud of each of them. The bond with each child was unique and the love only grew between Nellie and her children as time went on. Herb went to be with the Lord in 1990 and the family's hearts were broken.
God blessed Nellie again. Nellie became Mrs. Erwin Knott on December 8th, 1991, and gained four more sons, David, Daniel, Dennis, and Donald. Throughout the couple's 31 years of marriage, Erwin and "Nell" - as he lovingly called her built a wonderful life together. Erwin was her entire world and Nell was his. The two enjoyed camping, riding horses and boating. They loved spending time together at church or just enjoying their farm and family- it was a simple life made significant with the addition of so much love that the two shared.
Nellie was comfortable in any setting and made others feel so welcome as well. Whether she was working in the yard in cut off jean shorts and a tank top, or dressing up like a movie star- she was unapologetically comfortable in her own skin. In either outfit, she was guaranteed to include a few sprits of Estee Lauder perfume, which she never ran out of thanks to her children and grandchildren. On holidays like Christmas and her birthday, she knew she would be spoiled with visits, gifts, and yummy treats. New pictures of the grandchildren and great grandchildren and of course warm fuzzy socks made her smile.
Nellie Marie was a woman of many skills, a hard worker and determined to get things done. In her early years, she gardened, canned, sewed, and even fixed small appliances and usually had a grandchild with her to make sure they were learning too. She was a wonderful cook and passed along many recipes to her daughters and granddaughters. She would have a full meal on the table at 6 p.m. so that she could enjoy it with Erwin when he got home from work. If you happened to be at their home during supper time, there was a seat for you along with fried taters, corn from last year's canning session and a homemade pie.
When you came to see her, Nellie greeted you by your nickname she decided on and made you feel so special. In fact, when you were in her home, she would make sure you knew YOU were her favorite. We would all smile and giggle knowing the next person was going to hear the same thing. She loved her family and always welcomed anyone new with a smile and almost instantly became their new "Mom" or "Granny".
Nellie was the one to go to for advice, especially about babies. She watched almost all of her grandchildren come into the world and burped more babies than you can count. She loved being a "Granny", and during her time on Earth she was blessed with 24 grandchildren and 31 great grandchildren. From becoming a "Granny" for the first time in 1977 to granddaughter Mickey Marie right up until February of 2023 when her granddaughter and namesake Nellie Marie made her a great grandmother for the 31st time-she loved every one of them.
Nellie was predeceased by her first husband Herb; two sons C.L. and Russell; her daughter Debbie; as well as one granddaughter Christy. These losses truly broke Nellie's heart.
She is survived by her husband Erwin Knott; her daughters Terri Kittle-Prince, and Tammie Behrends and husband Mike; sons Chris Kittle and wife Rebecca, David Knott and wife Angela, Daniel Knott and wife Sheryl, Dennis Knott and wife Lisa and Donald Knott and wife Lana.
She will be missed by so many. Her wonderful smile and contagious laugh, as well as her hugs and the scent of her perfume that would linger long after a visit.
As a wife, a mother and a Granny it's easy to see this lady was loved by so many people. She taught us how to work hard and love even harder. She fought for us all and was our biggest fan. We will never forget how she made us feel. Thank you to our friends and loved ones who have helped ease the burden of our loss, it means so much.
With all of our love, Nellie's loving husband Erwin and her family.