Mrs. Betty Lou Knapp passed away at Forest Haven in Fredonia in the evening hours of Tuesday, February 10, 2026. She had celebrated her 96th birthday recently.

Betty Lou was born on January 20, 1930, in Denver, CO, one of nine children born to George and Anna (nee Nagel) Carlson.

She was united in marriage with Billy B. Knapp in Longmont, Colorado on June 25, 1948. The couple settled in Colorado and were blessed with three children: Billy, Linda, and Karla. Betty Lou took great pride in raising her children and taking care of her family. While living in Denver, Betty Lou never missed her daily walk around the neighborhood lake. Billy preceded Betty Lou in death in 1997, and Betty Lou moved to Cedar Grove in 1998 to be closer to her daughter.

Betty Lou loved watching the birds, and cardinals were her particular favorite. She enjoyed working puzzles. In her quiet time Betty Lou loved watching programs on the Hallmark Channel. She spent many wonderful hours with her grand-dog at what was lovingly called Grandma Daycare.

Those left to cherish her memory include her daughters Linda (the late Lee) Bunting of Indiana and Karla (the late Jerry) TeStroete of Cedar Grove, grandchildren DeAnne (Steve) Cushman, Paul (Keri) Cushman, Valerie (Jeff) Nelson, and Michelle TeStroete. She is further survived by great -grandchildren Aubrey, Ally, and Zachary, and bonus-great-grandchildren Quinn, Noah, Braxton and Atticus.

She is preceded in death by her husband Billy B., son Billy L., her parents, 3 brothers, and 5 sisters.

Private family services will be held in Colorado, and Betty Lou will be laid to rest with her husband in Crown Hill Cemetery, Denver, CO.

The family would like to extend their gratitude to all of the staff at Forst Haven in Fredonia and Allay Hospice for their wonderful care and compassion.