Merry Lee (Milligan) Knowles

Merry Lee (Milligan) Knowles, lifelong Oklahoma City resident, passed away August 24, 2024 at her residence at the age of 66.

Merry was born June 3, 1958 in Oklahoma City to James H. and Lois Darlene (Labard) Milligan. She attended Millwood Grade School and graduated from Bishop McGuinness Catholic High School in 1976. Merry attended Rose State College and Oklahoma State University-OKC.

Merry married Mark Knowles on September 27, 1975 at Mayflower Congregational Church in Oklahoma City. Merry was very active in her church. She was a Pastor’s Aide, served on the Music Board, was active in the Choir and Bell Choir, assisted with the Harvest House Dinner, Chili Cook-off and Christmas Dinners. Merry volunteered in her community including PC Academy helping with newborns and with Meals on Wheels for over 30 years helping to deliver meals to the homebound. She also volunteered with St. Jude’s for several years. She was a longtime member of her ESA Sorority, Marth’s Circle and active with The Guild. Merry served as a Trustee on the Robert Glen Rapp Foundation.

Merry was a loving mother and grandmother to her beloved children and grandchildren. She would always attend her son’s activities and their various sporting events including football, basketball, baseball, wrestling and soccer. When the grandchildren came along, she found herself doing the same for them often sometimes making trips to Dallas. She was also the best caregiver to anyone in need.

One of Merry’s greatest gifts was making Aunt Bill’s Brown Candy. If you were lucky enough you might would get some of her English toffee. She also enjoyed various outdoor activities including waterskiing, snow skiing, camping and hiking.

Surviving Merry is her husband of 49 years Mark, of the home; her mother, Lois Milligan of Lake Tahoe, Nevada; son and daughter-in-law, Cory and Kari Knowles of Oklahoma City; son and daughter-in-law, Josh and Currie Knowles of Oklahoma City; grandchildren, Brinley, Braxton, Kyle, Carlie and Maylie; three sisters, Jill Boghetich and husband Tony of Oklahoma City, Patti Daniels and husband Trevor of San Diego, California and Margie John and husband Rick of Lake Tahoe, Nevada; one brother, Mike Milligan of Oklahoma City; several nieces and nephews and a host of other family and friends.

Merry was preceded in death by her father, James H. Milligan and mother and father-in-law, Roy and Demoia Knowles.

A Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, October 19, 2024 at 2:00 PM at Mayflower Congregational Church, 3901 NW 63rd, Oklahoma City with Rev. Dr. Lori Walke, J.D. officiating.