Phyllis Irene Knabe

Phyllis Irene Knabe

August 27, 1936 – July 19, 2025

Phyllis Irene Knabe (née Nix), age 88, passed away peacefully on Saturday, July 19th, 2025, at Lutheran Hospital in Wheat Ridge, Colorado, surrounded by her loved ones.

Born on August 27, 1936, in Elk County, Kansas, Phyllis grew up on a farm where her love for family, animals, and horseback riding began. She carried her Kansas roots with pride throughout her life. She eventually made Colorado her home with her Husband George, where she spent decades working in banking and real estate. But above all, she was most proud of her role as a devoted mother and grandmother.

Phyllis was preceded in death by her beloved husband, George Knabe; her sister, Mary Mae Roach; her mother, Mary Jane Nix; and her father, George Allen Nix. She is survived by her loving son, Kent Knabe; her daughter-in-law, Karen Knabe; her cherished granddaughter, Kayla Knabe; and her grandson-in-law, Lee Holloway.

Known for her wit, warmth, and fierce love for those around her, Phyllis brought light and humor into every room—often with a bit of sarcastic haggling for good measure. She adored her cats Rex and Abigail, who brought her great joy in her later years. In fact, Abigail was lovingly by her side in her final 24 hours.

Throughout her life, Phyllis found joy in many things: cheering for the Denver Broncos and Colorado Rockies, reading book after book, conquering word searches, and enjoying outings “up the hill” to Blackhawk and Central City. She loved her regular hair appointments with Karen, chats with Kent, special moments with Kayla, and meals at Olive Garden or her favorite Chinese spot. Her door—and dinner table—was always open for one more, a true testament to her generous spirit.

Phyllis touched the hearts of everyone who knew her, and continued to do so until her very last day. She was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, sister, aunt, sister-in-law, and friend. She will be deeply missed and forever loved.

A celebration of life will be held on Friday, August 8th, 2025 at 10:30 a.m. at Ralston Crossing Event Center, 7400 Indiana St, Arvada, CO 80007. A light brunch reception will follow to celebrate her memory. 

Guests are kindly encouraged to wear light or brightly colored spring or summer attire in honor of Phyllis’s love for beautiful colors.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made in Phyllis’s name to Foothills Animal Shelter, reflecting her lifelong love for animals. 

Donations can be made online at: foothillsanimalshelter.org

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Phyllis Irene Knabe, please visit our floral store.