Mary Elizabeth Knackstedt

Mary Elizabeth “Betty” Knackstedt, 84, of Overland Park, passed away on June 14, 2026. Visitation will be Monday, July 13, 2026 at 10:30am, followed by the Funeral Mass at 11:00 am, all at Nativity Catholic Church, Leawood. Inurnment will follow at Forest Hill Cemetery. Memorial contributions in Betty’s name are suggested to Alzheimer’s Association, in Memory of Betty Knackstedt, 8001 Conser Street, Suite 240, Overland Park, KS 66204 or online at THIS LINK.

Betty, or Mary Betty as she was often known, was born on October 21, 1941 in Kansas City to Clarence M. and Mary Elizabeth (LaGalle) Moore. She was a 1960 graduate of St. Teresa’s Academy in Kansas City, where she made many lifelong friends. After graduation, Betty attended Kansas City Junior College for two years. She married Tim McConnell in 1963, and together they owned Timothy Sweets Ice Cream and Candy Shop in Omaha. Betty eventually moved back to the Kansas City area, working at and retiring from First National Bank of Omaha after 15 successful years.

Betty married Larry Knackstedt on June 15, 1996. Together they shared 30 wonderful years. They owned Knocky’s Liquor for 13 years and enjoyed this business adventure together. She and Larry wintered in The Villages in Florida for many years and also loved spending time at their lake house in Lake of the Ozarks with their family. The grandkids will all agree that there was never a shortage of laughter, games, food, and dancing to “Big Mouth Billy Bass” the moment you entered the door. The lake was always Betty’s happy place, and it showed! She loved sharing it with all.

Betty was also an avid gardener and enjoyed volunteering at the Overland Park Arboretum. Betty loved golfing as a hobby with Larry and her friends and could be seen on the golf courses at The Villages, in addition to playing locally with her friends. She frequently spent time with a group of sorority sisters who called themselves “The Magnificent Seven,” and they remained dear to her for life. The stories these ladies could tell about Betty and her love for life are a testament to the fantastic woman and friend she was to all.

During their retirement years, Betty and Larry set sail and traveled in the United States and abroad. They saw the Cherry Blossoms bloom and toured Washington, DC. They enjoyed cruising in Alaska, the Panama Canal, and doing a fall foliage cruise through Canada and New England. They also flew to Europe, where they enjoyed Rome and their tour of the Vatican. They loved exploring new places, but most of all loved doing it together.

Betty was preceded in death by her daughter, Suzie Stevens, and a sister, Madeline Shappell. She is survived by her husband, Larry Knackstedt; daughter, Terry McConnell; grandsons, Max and Ajay Rajendran; sister Susie Overton; Larry’s children, Scott Knackstedt (Angie), Stacey Faber (Dale), Stephanie Strange (David); grandchildren Joe Knackstedt (Kim), Kelsey Faber, Beka George (Caleb), Lia Faber, Alyssa Holsworth (Aaron), and Brent Strange; plus great-grandchildren, Teagan Hampel, and Jackson and Evelyn Holsworth.

Betty was a positive light in this world and never met a stranger. She was a genuine people person. She lived a life with grace and joy, finding beauty and laughter in life’s simplest moments. A smile, kind word, a touch of care; she shared her light and zest for life wherever she went. We hope that everyone will think of her as someone who reminded us all to “Look Good, Feel Good, and Sparkle!”