Geraldine "Geri" May Knowles, 85, of Deland Florida, passed away peacefully with her devoted daughter by her side on November 11, 2025. She was born on May 26, 1940, in Grand Rapids, Michigan, to John and Mabel Schwander.

Known affectionately as Mom, Grandma, G, Aunt Geri, and simply Geri, she was a bright light whose warmth touched everyone that knew her. A proud and dedicated Navy wife for 20 years, she made a loving home every where they traveled built on resilience and strength. For over 40 decades, Geri shared her gift as a hairdresser, making people feel beautiful, and forming friendships that spanned generations.

Geri found joy in life's simple pleasures. She loved watching classic westerns, cheering on the Denver Broncos, exploring weekend flea markets, and savoring good Mexican food. She also enjoyed reading, crocheting, and shopping, but her greatest happiness came from family gatherings, especially Sunday dinners and lively celebrations where she could be surrounded by the people she loved most.

Geri is survived by children, Bryan Knowles and Linda Clark; her grandchildren, Joshua Knowles, Cody Knowles, Dakota Knowles, and Brianna Gaddy; and her cherished nieces and nephews, Deanna Bandino, Melissa Nutting, Debbie Dyer, Kelly Babcock, Shannon Giles, Mark Larabel, Troy Larabel, Dawn Carpenter, Amy Nichols, and Kathy Naylor.

She was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Don Knowles; her brother DeWayne Schwander; and his adult children Doug, Brad, and Heather Schwander; and her sister Barbara Larabel; and her eldest son Bill Larabel

Geri's ashes will be blessed and finally laid to rest with her husband on what would of been their 68th anniversary, June 15th, 2026 at Fort Logan National Cemetery in Denver, Colorado.  A fitting moment for two souls to be reunited.

We'll never forget you, for you gave us so much to remember. Not a day will pass when you are not loved and missed. You may be gone but never from our hearts.