Kimela Deann (Barnum) McKnight-Cowell, 65, passed away from this life on August 16, 2022. Kim was born November 14, 1956, in Pekin, Illinois. She was the daughter of Dave and Marie (Berry) Barnum.
Kim married Roger McKnight on May 10, 1980. They were blessed with 2 children, Ashley Gray and Westin McKnight and later a granddaughter, Avery Gray, whom Grandmommy adored. Later she would marry Eddie Cowell and be blessed with stepchildren, Jason Cowell, Nicholas Cowell, Donovan Cowell and step-grandchildren, Aynslee, Jasey Fay, Casen and Caelyn.
Kim’s love for travel led her on many adventures including Italy, Greece, France, Holland, Germany, the United Kingdom, Netherlands and Amsterdam. Among her many other hobbies were gardening, cooking, fishing, hunting and kayaking. She loved the water and found peace at the creek. She also loved her fur babies and on one occasion even managed to sneak one into the church in her large purse.
Kim’s career began in the healthcare profession. She was employed at the Stone County Medical Center, providing care for 32 years, until her retirement in 2021. Her passion for caregiving prompted her to start her own private personal care business which was a great success due to her love and compassion for her patients.
Survivors include her husband, Eddie Cowell; children, Ashley Gray (and George), Westin McKnight and granddaughter, Avery Gray. Stepchildren, Jason Cowell (and Andrea), Nicholas Cowell and Donovan Cowell; Step grandchildren, Aynslee, Jasey Fay, Casen and Caelyn; Parents, Dave and Marie (Berry) Barnum; sister, Nora Everett (and Turner) and many other friends and relatives.
The family request that donations, in lieu of flowers, be made to the Stone County Humane Society.
