Else Breitstadt Knott

Else Breitstadt Knott, beloved mother, wife, and hummingbird whisperer, passed away peacefully at the age of 86. Born in Grossen Buseck, Germany, Else fell for a handsome G.I. named William C. Knott in 1960. She arrived in America in March 1961 and three months later, they married. She managed to keep him in line for 59 years until his passing in January 2021.

 Else was the mother of William C. Knott, Jr. and Stefanie Ryan Knott, and mom to her equally beloved dog, Jake the Schnauzer. She also had the honor of being the grandma to two “grandogs,” Ernest T and Dakota, who brought her endless joy. She even once raised a pet squirrel, proving that no creature was too small for her love.

 Upon Arriving in the States, she started her career at Rucker Rosenstock on Sycamore Street in Petersburg to try to improve her English. Several years later she was hired as Clerk of the Dinwiddie School Board, a position she held for over 25 years. When she retired, her absence was so keenly felt that her position had to be filled by five people— each probably wondering how she ever did it all. She then took a part-time job (which became full time) at JCPenney’s where she quickly became the Supervisor of Credit and Catalog with gift wrapping skills that were absolutely unmatched. Else was always a hard worker, but more importantly she was a great co-worker and made numerous friends she kept up with until her passing.

 Outside of work, Else was a member of the Petersburg Damen Klub, and attended Lebanon United Methodist Church. She liked chatting on the phone with her friends and having coffee (or wine) with her friend and neighbor. She had a prolific green thumb and could restore any brown and sickly plant back to its original verdancy, making some people “green” in the process. She adored hummingbirds, faithfully tending to multiple feeders that were probably listed as Michelin-starred destinations to her ruby-throated friends. Towards the end she relished watching The Andy Griffith Show with her children, especially on Cheeseburger Frydays.

 Else will be dearly missed by her children, her dog, her grandogs, her friends, family, and a whole lot of hummingbirds

 In her memory, the family asks that you hang a hummingbird feeder, and/or make a donation to Lebanon United Methodist Church, 12450 Courthouse Road, Dinwiddie, VA 23841.

 A graveside service will be held at Southlawn Memorial Park on December 10, 2024 at 10am.