ESTHER MAE KNOWLES, 90 of Chester, Illinois, passed away at 8:40 am, Sunday, January 6, 2013 at her residence. She was born to the late Rev. Mayo and Beulah Mae (nee Renfro) Bowles on July 25, 1922 in Sesser, Illinois. She married William G. Knowles on January 18, 1946 in Mayfield, Kentucky; he preceded her in death on April 25, 1985. Esther and her husband, Bill, owned and operated the New Moon Cafe in the 1950's and the Nite Hawk in Chester. She was well-known for her recipe for the New Moon fried chicken. She also had been a real estate agent for the Koeneman Agency in Chester. She was a member of the First United Methodist Church and the American Legion Auxiliary both in Chester. She was a life-time member of the Chester Country Club, where she was known as "Esther from Chester." She enjoyed crocheting and quilting and she especially loved to cook! Survivors: 3 Children William Dean Knowles (fiancée Robin Rosendohl) Chester, IL Jacqualine Ann (Lewis) Achuff Chester, IL Sharon Kay (Gary) Purdy Maryville, IL 1 Brother Louis Estel "Tubby" (Julie) Bowles Lebanon, IL 1 Sister-in-law Betty Ann Limestall Waterloo, IL 10 Grandchildren Melissa Coffey, William B. Knowles, Tonia Buretta, Thomas Buretta, Kelly Cameron, Pamela Koshinski, Kimberly Eaton, Lori Bluemner, Lisa Deterding and Melissa Bost 18 Great Grandchildren 4 Great-Great Grandchildren Preceded in death by: Parents, Husband - William G. Knowles, 1 Brother - Ivan Mayo Bowles and 1 Great-Great Grandson - Lucas Cameron Funeral Service: 1:00 pm, Saturday, January 12, 2013 Pechacek-McClure Funeral Home, Chester, Illinois Officiating: Rev. Zoila Marty Visitation: Friday - 5:00 pm - 8:00 pm Saturday - 7:30 am - 1:00 pm Pechacek-McClure Funeral Home, Chester, Illinois Interment: Evergreen Cemetery Chester, Illinois Memorials: Hospice of Southern Illinois
