Dee Ann Knowles

Dee Ann Hancock was born on December 28, 1936, a cold day in Lake Shore, Utah. She was the oldest child of Ned William and Melva Huff Hancock. On June 14, 1957, Dee Ann married Eugene Arthur Knowles Jr. in the Salt Lake Temple, recently celebrating their 66th wedding anniversary. She passed away on December 28, 2023, on her 87th birthday in Bountiful, Utah.

Shortly after their wedding mom and dad built a home in Bountiful, where they have lived the last 64 years. There they raised their four sons, David, Todd, Steven, and Donald. Mom was dedicated to her family. Raising four active boys was not always easy and we were always on the go, but she seemed to make sure we were always in the right place at the right time. Whether it was school activities, sporting events, or scouting functions, our parents were always there. Mom even gave up her summer vacations, so that as a family we could travel to California to watch our favorite baseball teams. That was going beyond the call of duty.

Mom grew up in Salt Lake City and was a proud graduate of West High School. After her boys were older, she embarked on fulfilling her dream of becoming a nurse. She took classes at night and in 1978 graduated from Brigham Young University with her nursing degree. She passed her RN test in March of 1979 and went to work at Lakeview Hospital. During her time at Lakeview, she rose to be a charge nurse and helped establish the Psychiatric unit. In retirement she worked as a Hospice nurse, serving those who were approaching the final stages of life. She was always helping others.

Mom was a lifelong member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints and served honorably in many different callings. Her two favorites were Relief Society President and serving in the Bountiful Temple. 

Dee Ann had many things she was passionate about. Born of pioneer stock, she was a member of the Daughters of Utah Pioneers, and she loved telling old family stories. Mom and Dad were longtime season ticket holders for the University of Utah football team, and always cheered them on. During their retirement years, they traveled and spent time exploring the world, exploring the beauty and history of many countries. 

Dee Ann is preceded in death by her parents Ned and Melva, her sister Nancy Henry (Howard, also deceased) and daughter in law Tracey. She is survived by her husband Eugene, sons David (Diana), William Todd (Patricia), Steven (Meghan) and Donald as well as 13 Grandchildren and 11 Great Grandchildren whom she loved and was so proud of. Also surviving is her brother Lee (Marilyn) Hancock and her faithful friend and protector, her dog Hoss.

A very special thanks to the many people who have always been there for mom. She and her family have been blessed by her good friends and neighbors; you couldn't ask for better. Special thanks to Darci Bangerter and DaNette Davis for the care you both have given to mom.

A viewing will be held on Friday, January 5, 2024 at Russon Mortuary, 295 N. Main Street,  Bountiful from 6:00 to 8:00 pm.  
Services will be held on Saturday, January 6, 2024 at the Bountiful 25th Ward on 600 East 1500 South in Bountiful at 1:00 pm., with viewing prior 11:30-12:30.

Services will be streamed live on Russon Mortuary & Crematory Facebook page and this obituary page.