Thelma E. Knisch (nee Baker), 88, of Fairview Heights, died Aug. 16, 2013, in Belleville.

She was born Nov. 2, 1924, in East St. Louis, daughter of the late Peter Knisch and Myrtle (Harvey) Girard (nee McFadden).

She was married to the late Peter Knisch for more than 70 years.

Mrs. Knisch loved flowers and all animals, and she especially had a soft spot for dogs. She was a loving mother, grandmother, great-grandmother and great-great-grandmother, and she will truly be missed by all who knew her.

Survivors include her children Marsha (Garry) Byrd of Columbia, Tim (Bonnie) Knisch of Fairview Heights, Michael Knisch of Columbia, and Joyce Rucker of Belleville; granddaughters Candice Byrd of Columbia, Crystal (Jeff) Wyrick of Waterloo, Pam Rucker of St. Louis, Deborah Luehder (nee Rucker) of Belleville, and Patty (Alan) Etherton of Borden, Ind.; eight great-grandchildren; and four great-great-grandchildren.

The family would like to express their sincere gratitude to Tim for his commitment to caring for his mother.

Visitation is Aug. 21, from 4 to 8 p.m., at Lake View Funeral Home, Fairview Heights.

Funeral services will be Aug. 22, at 1 p.m., at the funeral home, Rev. Garvin Fisher officiating.

Interment will follow at Lake View Memorial Gardens, Fairview Heights.

Memorials may be made to the Belleville Humane Society.

Condolences can be expressed online at www.LakeViewFuneralHm.com.