Coffey, MO: Shirley Knott of Coffey, Mo. left to join loved ones Wednesday, October 28, 2026. Shirley energetically entered this world December 7,1934 at the office of the legendary Doc Bailey in Jamesport, Mo. Shirley Grew up as the 7th of 13 children of Claude and Esther (Powell) Bell and was known in the Pattonsburg area as an avid sportswoman with a wonderful sense of humor who loved to work outdoors. Shirley left school after graduating 8th grade to help support the family, working at the Pattonsburg Cap Factory.
In 1952 Bill returned from a 4-year stint in the US Navy, after a very short courtship, he showed up at her parents doorstep and told her she was going to be his wife. They were promptly married July 26, 1952 at the Harrison, Arkansas Courthouse shortly thereafter. They were happily married for nearly 60 years before his passing.
Shirley continued working in the textile industry, capably managing the cap factories in Gallatin and Bethany Missouri for the Chillicothe-based Lambert Manufacturing Company for over 30 years. She and Bill began to establish the Knott family farm in 1954 while each working other jobs. They welcomed son Rodney Thane in 1956 and son Vincent Blaine in 1958. Nephew Bruce Bell was also raised in their home as of 1965. Shirley was a Century Farm owner for the plat of 80 acres homesteaded in the early 1800’s by Joseph Knott.
Shirley and Bill were life-long members of the Coffey Baptist Church and participated in the Coffey Cemetery Association. She was also the long-time bookkeeper and church record-keeper for her dearly loved Coffey Baptist Church family. Shirley participated in the area co-ed volleyball games in the earlier years before the Bethany Gym League was established and volunteered at the South Harrison Elementary School after retirement. Shirley often said one of her greatest joys in life were participating in activities with her son Rodney, nephew Bruce, grandkids Jessica and Danan, and her great-grandchildren. She enjoyed a lot of School Sports, Summer Sports, Drag Races at Thunder Valley Racetrack, U.S. 36 Raceway, Tractor Pulling, State Fairs and Hayrides —–and she usually provided popcorn for the events!
Shirley was preceded in death by sons Vincent and Rodney Knott, and husband Bill Knott. She often spoke fondly of her life growing up with 13 siblings, some of which were married and having children of their own as she was growing up. Her siblings included Robert Bell, Nettie Mikes, Gertrude Savage, John Bell, James Bell, Marilyn Utz, Leslie Bell, June Ruff, Rose Smith, Juanita Hancock, Mary Bell, and Marge Merrigan, all of whom also preceded her in death.
Shirley Anne Knott leaves behind nephew Bruce Bell, Bruce’s wife Sharon Bell (Deceased) and their son Jacob Bell; daughter-in-law Regina Knott; granddaughter Jessica Knott Sullenger and husband Carl; grandson Danan Knott and wife Paige; and great grandkids Billy Wyatt, Sawyer and Cooper Sullenger, and Ryker and Ezrie Knott.
Celebration of Life will be held at 11:00 a.m. Monday, November 2, 2026 at Roberson Funeral Home in Bethany, Mo., with Pastor Tim Wilson officiating. Burial will follow in Coffey Cemetery, Coffey, Mo. The family will receive friends from 10:00-11:00 a.m. Monday at the funeral home. Interment immediately following. Pallbearers will include Jimmy Gutshall, David Iddings, Shane Terhune, Sandra Alden, Lloyd McMahon, and Derrick Iddings. Honorary Pallbearers are Ed Iddings and Doug Reed. Memorials may be made to the Coffey Baptist Church and/or Coffey Cemetery in care of Roberson Funeral Home, P.O. Box 46, Bethany, Mo. 64424. Online condolences may be left at www.robersonfuneralhome.com.
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