Doris Y. (Yarrison) Knerr

Winter is finally over.  The sky is blue, the birds are singing, and the daffodils are bright.  On April 30, 2015, Doris Y. Knerr, age 99, surrounded by the new warmth of the sun and the love of her family, quietly passed away.

Born in Williamsport, PA, Doris was the youngest child of John and Alice Yarrison and lived her youth in the Williamsport-Jersey Shore area.  After graduating from Lock Haven State Teachers College, she came to Canton as a substitute elementary school teacher in 1939.  She met Frederic E. Knerr on a blind date and they were married in 1941.  She spent the rest of her life living in Canton. 

Doris took time off from teaching to raise her family and then returned to the elementary school.  Many remember her as their fourth or fifth grade teacher.  Her family was her greatest joy and she followed and participated in many of their events including: weddings; christenings; graduations; travel; and even camping on the ground, canoeing, and white-water rafting.  She was a Sunday School teacher; Cub Scout Den Mother; and participated in many Church and Civic activities.  Seldom without a book in hand, she also sewed, knitted, crocheted, painted, and tended her many plants.  She traveled to Europe several times with her nephew, Charles and his wife, Sondra.  For many years she played cards with friends, quilted at the Clothing Center, and knitted sweaters for the Guideposts sweater project. Doris and Freddie, who loved to drive, covered many miles of road in his shining cars.  They could often be found dancing the light fantastic at the Wheel Club on Saturday nights.  It was a good life.

She always wanted to stay in her own home and with the help of family and friends; the watchful eyes and caring of her neighbors; and during the past couple years, helpers Judy Dole and Joyce and Roger Castle; she was able to do this.  Never one to sit around, Doris remained busy until a fall curtailed her activities during the past few months.  These months were spent at the Bradford County Manor where she amused the staff with her wry remarks. The kindness and support of the staff is appreciated.

Doris was predeceased by her husband Freddie in 1980 and her parents and six older brothers and sisters - Clyde, Donald, Charlie, Mary, Edna, and Freda.  She is survived by her three children, Carol (and Wayne) of Newtown, CT, Fritz of Strasburg, PA, and Dan (and Kathy) of Rochester, NY.  There are seven grandchildren: Bill, Jim, Charlie, Jessie, Sarah, Jason, and Ryan, and seven great-grandchildren:  Morgan, Taylor, Merry, Max, Mitch, Grace, and Felix; as well as many nieces, nephews, and cousins.

As were her wishes, there will be no calling hours or funeral service.  Instead, take a moment from your day and remember Doris, tell someone you love them, and give away a hug and a smile.  A private graveside service will be held at the convenience of the family.  In lieu of flowers, consider a contribution in her memory to the Canton Ecumenical Parish, 103 N. Center St., Canton, PA 17724; the Canton Green Free Library, 38 N. Center St, Canton, PA 17724; or the charity of your choice.

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