Mary Jane Knox, 66, Harrisonville, Missouri, died Tuesday, August 21, 2012 at her home. Graveside services will be held at 10:00 a.m. Thursday, August 23, 2012 at Oakland Cemetery in Harrisonville. Friends may call from 6:00-8:00 p.m. Wednesday at the Atkinson Chapel in Harrisonville. Memorial contributions may be made to Serenity Care Hospice, 2000 E. Mechanic Street, Suite #3, Harrisonville, MO 64701.

Mary was born October 28, 1945 in Harrisonville, Missouri, the daughter of Albert Earl and Nellie M. (Craig) Smith. She lived her life in Harrisonville. As a child, she accepted Jesus Christ as her Savior. On February 22, 1963, she married William "Bill" Knox. They were married for 43 years before he passed away on August 21, 2006. Together they had three children, Cathleen Wade, Lonnie Knox and Christie Knox. She had a sister, Ruby VanSandt and two brothers, Billy Smith and Wayne Smith.

Mary retired in 2012 from Visiting Nurse Association, where she worked as a Home Health Aide for 31 years. Prior to that, she drove a school bus for the Cass R-IX Schools. She enjoyed gardening, fishing and spending time with her family and friends.

She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband, Bill, sister, Ruby (Smith) VanSandt and sister-in-law, Evelyn Smith. She is survived by her children, Cathleen Wade and husband, Terry of Lebanon, Missouri, Lonnie Knox and wife, Becky of Archie, Missouri and Christie Knox of Harrisonville, Missouri; two brothers, Billy Smith and Wayne Smith and wife, Cindy, all of Harrisonville; brother-in-law, Billy J. VanSandt of Bossier City, Louisiana; 2 grandchildren, Brandon Wade and Blair Wade, both of Lebanon, Missouri and 4 great-grandchildren; many nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.