June Marjorie Marilyn Knowlton

June Marjorie Marilyn Smitch Knowlton was born in Clifton, Arizona, on June 23, 1937. Her father was Jordan David (JD) Smitch and her mother was Rena Laura Bell Smitch. June was number eight of ten children to be born to JD and Rena. Her father was the owner, manager and chief mechanic of Smitch's Garage in Clifton, Arizona. In 1944, JD moved his family to Globe, Arizona, where he found employment with the Arizona Highway Department as a mechanic. June graduated from Globe High School in 1956 and was united in marriage to Lawrence Knowlton on July 6, 1958. Throughout their fifty seven years of marriage, June went with Lawrence wherever his employment led him to go and assisted and encouraged him in his work. Lawrence always preached for the church of Christ in whatever community they found themselves. For most of their married life, the responsibility of preaching was in addition to a secular job which provided them with the necessities of life. In spite of the difficulties and sacrifices involved, June was always supportive of Lawrence's work; both in the secular fields and the spiritual endeavors. “It would never have been possible,” Lawrence reflects, “to do the work I did without June's constant encouragement, assistance and support.” After several years during which three pregnancies miscarried, she and Lawrence applied to adopt a child. They were blessed with a lovely two month old girl about two years later. June promptly named her Joy because, as she explained, “She is the joy of my life.” June and Lawrence were further blessed by the addition of Scott to their family a little over five years later. Scott came to them as a two year old bundle of energy who June also loved with all her heart. These two children became the center of June's life as she lovingly guided, supported, and scolded them into adulthood. June struggled with serious health issues during most of her life. But, she always faced each challenge with a smile and a seemingly inexhaustible supply of patience and good humor. Everyone will miss her contagious smile and warm hugs. June passed from this life at 11:55 P.M. on August 14, 2015. She is survived by her husband, Lawrence Knowlton, of Miami, AZ; her daughter, Joy Knowlton; and son, Scott Knowlton, both of Phoenix, AZ.; one grandson, Carson Turner, also of Phoenix, AZ; Two sisters; Margaret Trowse, of Globe, AZ, and Luetta Danforth, of Mineral Wells, TX; Two brothers; Jay Smitch, of Globe, AZ, and Kent Smitch of Kearny, AZ.