Mary Ann Kniesly

Mary Ann Kniesly, age 86, of West Carrollton, passed away peacefully at her home on May 30, 2026, with her family by her side. Born on April 9, 1940, in Cincinnati, Ohio, she was the daughter of Charles and Mary Alice (Drewel) Griffiths. Mary Ann graduated from Mount Vernon Academy in 1957 and later attended Washington Missionary College in Takoma Park, Maryland. On March 19, 1960, she married the love of her life, William Kniesly, and together they shared 66 beautiful years of devotion and partnership. Mary Ann spent more than 50 years caring for children, touching countless lives through her gentle spirit, patience, and unwavering kindness. She was cherished by everyone who had the privilege of knowing her. Above all, Mary Ann’s greatest joy was her family. She adored them deeply and treasured every moment spent together, especially when the entire family gathered under one roof. She was preceded in death by her parents; her sisters, Alice Thomas and Ruth Greenland; her daughter, Teresa; and her grandson, Marcus Bowling. Mary Ann is survived by her husband, William; her daughters, Susan (Bruce) Bierlein, Debbie (Gavin) Younker, Karen (Mike) Schmitz, and Marianne (Tom) Pease; her grandchildren, Heather (Kurtis) Jewell, Jordan, Logan, and Kinsey Younker, Michael (Lindsay) Schmitz, Matt Schmitz, Nikki (Phil) Carselowey, Cameron Pease, and Connor (Joel) Miller; and her great‑grandchildren, Harper and Marcus Jewell, Devin and Remington Christensen, Sullivan Schmitz, Beckett and Brielle Carselowey, and Evelyn Miller, along with several nieces and nephews. Graveside services will be held on Friday, June 5, at 1:00 PM at Donnelsville Cemetery, with her son‑in‑law, Tom Pease, officiating. Arrangements entrusted to the Morton & Whetstone Funeral Home, Vandalia. Condolences can be shared at www.MortonWhetstoneFH.com.