Kathleen Chloe Knack, age 76, of Ennis, MT, passed away on Friday, February 20, 2026, at the Ashton Living Center in Ashton, ID.

Kathy was born on April 26, 1949,  in Cortez, CO to "Duke" and Dixie Sober. Kathy spent her early life in Blanding, Utah. During her school years, she was active in the choir, marching/dance club and speech and drama (attending State in the pantomime). She played on her church basketball team and was a good hitter and a fast base runner in softball.

On January 7, 1967, she married Michael Knack in Monticello,Utah.  The couple welcomed their first two children (Kristy and Dixie) while in Blanding, Utah, but then moved to Angola, New York. While living in New York, Mike and Kathy had their third child (Steve). Then, in 1974, they moved to Montana.  Their fourth child (Kimberly) was born here. Together they raised their children in Ennis. Mike worked at the talc mine while Kathy became the Madison Valley  Library Director. She held this position from 1994-2014. This was a fitting occupation as Kathy had an intense love of the written word.

She was known for her kind heart and  gentle spirit. While she loved many things(like singing and dancing), nothing meant more to her than her grandchildren. She had nine grands and ten great-grands. They were the light of her life and her greatest pride. She treasured every moment spent with them — from reading stories together, sleepovers, or chatting on the phone to simply listen and offer encouragement. Her love for them was unconditional and endless, and they will forever carry her warmth in their hearts.

Kathy is survived by her husband Michael Knack;  her children Kristy (James) Fewer, Dixie Knack, Steven (Kelley) Knack and Kimberly (Will) Jewett; her grandchildren Nathaniel Fewer, Xandia Busby, Shylis (David) Busby, Deshon (Jonathan) Busby, Joseph (Eneida) Busby, Liana (Josh) Busby; Jacob Knack, Megan Knack and  Jenna Jewett; great-grandchildren Xayden, Chessa, Chaya, Markeith, Odysseus, Morpheus, Jonathan Jr., Niko, Ivy and Rowan;  siblings Lynda (James) Rolle and Elaine Sober; and many nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by Doris "Duke" Sober (father) and Dixie Black Sober (mother), Ruth Bowman (sister), Ed Carothers (brother) and Wade Carothers (brother).

A Celebration of Life will be held sometime this spring, as that was Kathy's favorite time of year.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to Madison Valley Public Library.