Obituary of Clara L. Kniss

Clara L. Kniss, 74, of Lancaster, PA went home to be with her Lord and Savior on Saturday morning, August 23, 2014 at Mennonite Home after a four year battle with cancer. Born on the family farm in Londonderry Twp., Dauphin County, she was the daughter of the late J. Allen and Ruth I. Kaylor Dehmey. She was the wife of Gerald G. Kniss. They would have been married for 54 years on September 25. Clara was a faithful member of Florin Church of the Brethren in Mount Joy where she taught children's Sunday school, was the Senior Citizens coordinator, and chaired the deacon ministries for many years. She and her husband served in 1W service for two years at the former Cylburn Children's Home in Baltimore. Prior to retiring, Clara was employed for 20 years by Union Community Bank at the Hempfield Office where she was head teller. Previously, she was employed by the former Hershey Creamery, Bell Telephone Company, the former Stonebridge Farm Butcher Shop, and Manheim Auto Auction. Clara possessed the spiritual gift of giving which she freely shared with those with needs. She volunteered her time at Brethren Village and was the auxiliary treasurer for many years. She also enjoyed the Moms in Touch group in East Petersburg. In addition to her husband, she is survived by two daughters, Karen K., wife of Ashley R. Ovens, of Elizabethtown, and Kathy A., wife of Doug R. Spang, of Manheim; four grandchildren, Wesley Ovens, Luke Spang, Austin Ovens, and Kate Spang; and four siblings, Mary, wife of Dallas Lehman, of Dillsburg, Nancy Dehmey of Elizabethtown, Earl, husband of Evie Dehmey, of Maytown, and Allen "Al", husband of Joyce Dehmey, of Elizabethtown. A memorial service will be held on Friday morning, August 29, 2014 at 11:00 AM at Florin Church of the Brethren, 815 Bruce Avenue, Mount Joy, PA 17552. Interment will be at West Green Tree Cemetery on Friday morning at 9:00 AM. The family will receive guests at a viewing at the church on Thursday evening from 6-8:00 PM and also on Friday morning from 10:00 AM until the time of the service. If desired, contributions may be made to the Good Samaritan Fund of the church, American Cancer Society, 314 Good Drive, Lancaster, PA 17603, or to Hospice and Community Care, 685 Good Drive, PO Box 4125, Lancaster, PA 17604. To express a condolence with the family or to watch a webcast of the service available beginning the day following the service visit www.spencefuneralservices.com.