Obituary of Ray A. Knowles

Ray A. Knowles, age 81, of Niagara Falls, NY, formerly of Ransomville, NY, died Monday, February 1, 2010, in Mt. St. Mary's Hospital, Lewiston, after a lengthy illness. Born March 3, 1928 in Mossley, Ontario, Canada to the late Clarence and Beatrice (Derrough) Knowles and became a US Citizen in 1952. Shortly after arriving in the United States, he entered the US Army and served from September 15, 1952 until his honorable discharge on September 3, 1954.On November 26, 1955, he was married to Joan Waters, where they lived and raised their family in Ransomville from 1955-1985. Then they moved to Niagara Falls where they currently reside. Ray was employed as a Pipefitter/Welder at Stauffer Chemical Co. from 1956-1972, the Chevrolet Foundry from 1972-1973, and finally at the Union Carbide (Stratcor) from 1973 until his retirement in 1993. He was a member of the Ransomville Rural Retirees and attended the Calvary Baptist Church, Niagara Falls. He enjoyed flying model airplanes, square dancing, card clubs, traveling, but mostly loved spending time with his family, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. In addition to his wife, he is survived by three children, Sherrie (Ken) Twist of Wilson, Thomas (Lynn) Knowles of Rochester, NY, and Rosemary (Art) Sabey of Ransomville; his six grandchildren, Jasmine Lackner, Shelby (Joseph) Tremblay, Stephanie Knowles, Justin Knowles, Andrew Sabey, Tim Sabey; five great-grandchildren, Sierra Lackner, Ethan Lackner, MacKenzie Tremblay, Gavin Tremblay and Joey Tremblay. He is also survived by two sisters, Gladys Tisdale of St. Thomas, Ontario, Jean Church of Simcoe, Ontario; and a brother, Gordon (Elaine) Knowles of St. Thomas, Ontario; and several nieces, nephews and great-nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by four brothers, Thomas, Bill, Clark and Ralph Knowles. Friends may call at the HARDISON FUNERAL HOME, 3648 Ransomville Rd., Ransomville, NY, on Friday from 2-4 and 7-9 PM. Funeral services will be held on Saturday (February 6th) at 10:00 AM from the funeral home, with Rev. Matthew Furan officiating. Burial to follow at Acacia Park Cemetery, Town of Pendleton. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Calvary Baptist Church, 624 Hyde Park Blvd., Niagara Falls, NY, 14301, or the American Lung Assoc., 1595 Elmwood Ave., Rochester, NY 14620.