Centenarian inspired others with work ethic
Few people live to be 100 years old.
Even fewer work when they're 100.
But Helen G. Knauer of Butler never let her work ethic wane.
Knauer started her first job at 66, when most people retire, as a member of the late Judge John Brydon's tipstaff.
At age 79, she started her second job — working in the Butler County Clerk of Courts Office.
Knauer died at age 102 on Dec. 20 at Newhaven Court at Clearview.
Even though she only began her first job at age 66, Knauer worked nearly a full career, spending 35 years at the Butler County Courthouse until her retirement at age 100, on Oct. 13, 2017.
Knauer's granddaughter, Robin Whann said Knauer's lengthy career was a shining example of her energy.
“Her motto was always 'I just keep moving,'” the Butler woman said of her beloved grandmother. “People would always ask her how she did it, and she'd just say 'I just keep moving.'”
Whann said Knauer kept moving so much that, even at 100 years old with her 4-foot-6-inch frame, “she could outwalk all of” her family. That was evidenced on her 100th birthday — July 17, 2017 — when the Clerk of Courts Office threw her centennial birthday party.Lisa Lotz, then clerk of courts, planned a surprise for Knauer, arranging for Sheriff Mike Slupe to pick her up from her apartment to receive a police escort to work at the courthouse, where she arrived to the cheers of county elected officials and employees.At her courthouse job, Knauer was scheduled to work fewer than 20 hours, but often overstayed, helping out with bank statements, organizing paperwork and preparing restitution checks.But past her employment, Knauer spent her time in a variety of activities, being a member of the Armco Country Club, Elks Auxiliary and Armco Bowling League, according to an obituary published Monday in the Butler Eagle. She also had recreational activities, including being an avid bridge player.“At 100, most people wouldn't get out of bed,” Whann said. “She just looked for things to do that day, places to go.”Living to 102, Knauer survived two children, one grandson and her husband, Bertrand H. Knauer. She has two surviving children, seven grandchildren, 13 great-grandchildren and two great-great-grandchildren.Leslie Osche, county commissioner chairwoman, said her most cherished memories of Knauer are of the countless people whose lives she touched.“We're truly sad to learn of her passing,” Osche said. “She was so well-loved. Everyone knew her.”Whann added her grandmother always had a smile on her face, spoke kind words and influenced all her family.Knauer's great-granddaughter Danielle Peffer said hopes she will be half the woman Knauer was.“I think that's what we all aspire to be,” Whann said. “If we could all be half the woman that Grandma was, then the world would be a much better place.”
