Imogene “Jean” L. Knutilla, of Chesterton, passed away Friday, Dec. 1, 2006. She was 78.

She was born on June 22, 1928 in Hammond, the daughter of Donald D. and Florence V. (Brasker) Blackburn, both of whom preceded her in death.

On March 25, 1950 in Gary, she married Donald L. Knutilla, who survives in Chesterton.

She is also survived by a daughter Judi (Shawn) Rue of Chesterton; a son Jeff (Karen) Knutilla of Chesterton; six grandchildren, Tim Knutilla, Dawn (Jason) Webber, Dan Knutilla, Shawn Rue, Mindi (Mike) Billings, and Keeli Rue; four great-grandchildren, Autumn Knutilla, Gavin Rue, Madelin Billings, and Matthew Webber; a brother Vernon (Joyce) Vanderhere of DeMotte, and other loving family and dear friends.

She was also preceded in death by a step-father Vernon Vanderhere.

Jean attended Edison High School in Gary. She was a homemaker and a member of the First Presbyterian Church of Portage. She was an avid bowler and a member of the Bowlers Hall of Fame. She was also active with the Brunswick Little League and the Portage Little League. Jean also enjoyed needlework and being with family.

Funeral services, Rev. Dennis Ticen officiating, was at 10 a.m. Tuesday, Dec. 5 at Rees Funeral Home, Olson Chapel, 5341 Central Ave., Portage. Interment was at Calumet Park Cemetery in Merrillville. Visitation for Jean Knutilla was at Rees Funeral Home, Olson Chapel. Memorials may be made to the First Presbyterian Church in Portage. For further information, please call Rees Funeral Home at 762-3013 or at www.reesfuneralhomes.com.

Posted 12/5/2006