Carolyn Lilly Knapp, 85 of Akron, Iowa, passed away on Monday, October 7, 2024 at the Akron Care Center in Akron, Iowa.

A Memorial Service will be held at 1:00 P.M., Sunday, October 13, 2024 at Westfield Congregational Church in Westfield, Iowa. Fellowship with family will be held immediately after the service at the church.

Expressions of sympathy may be expressed to the family through www.rexwinkelfh.com.

Carolyn Grace Lilly was born on August 14, 1939 at the hospital in Akron, Iowa to David and Grace (Paramore) Lilly Sr. She was raised in rural Westfield and graduated from Westfield High School in 1957. She went on to graduate with a Home Economics degree from Iowa State University in Ames, IA.

Carolyn was united in marriage to Barry Knapp on June 11, 1961 at Westfield Congregational United Church of Christ in Westfield. They traveled some at first, living in Portland, OR, Iowa City, IA, Minot, ND, Medford, OR, and Sioux City, IA.  They later made their home on the Knapp family farm southeast of Westfield.

Carolyn was a young mother when she experienced severe health complications and was later diagnosed with MS (multiple Sclerosis).  Though this disease would challenge her, she never let it define her. She carried onward in life with grace, grit, and determination.  She lived her life with a deep sense of gratitude, something that she has passed down to her daughters, grandchildren, and all who knew her. She always aspired to be the greatest role model to her daughters.

Besides taking care of her family, Carolyn found a strong passion in an art class at night school. She was a gifted artist creating works of art in painting, paper making, and pottery.  She found much of her inspiration in elements of nature. She had a deep love and appreciation of nature that she used in her artwork as well as her interest and support in the preservation of the Loess Hills.

Carolyn was also a long-time member of Westfield Congregational Church in Westfield

Carolyn is survived by two daughters: Noelle (Doug Buryanek) Knapp of Westfield, IA, and Jill (Doug) Knapp Moravek of Westfield; 7 grandchildren and 8 great grandchildren: Rachael (David Larson) Moravek and her two children, Wiley and Kiley Jones; Talia (Dillon) Evenson and their four children: Sterling, Laramie, Barrett, and Colter; Tessa (Joe) Sievert and their two daughters: Rain and Remi; Genevieve (fiancé, Quenton Lubeck) Moravek; Lillian Moravek; Paul (Lexi Bromander) Knapp; Elise (fiancé, Rylan Ehret) Knapp; nieces, nephews, and other extended relatives.

Carolyn is preceded in death by her parents; husband, Barry Knapp (2014); and brother, David Grove Lilly Jr.