Lydia Vihlen Knox's Obituary
Redland – Lydia Knox, age 96, died peacefully in her home on June 30th. She was a long time resident of the area and the only daughter of one of the first homesteading families in the Redlands (Sadie and Pappy Vihlen). The street on which she was born and died still bears the family’s name. She attended Redland School, the same school her father, and several of her own children attended. She briefly attended Olgethorpe University in Georgia prior to the start of WWII. Lydia was adventurous in her youth, took flying lessons, and married the love of her life, a US Army Air Force pilot, Lt. Stanley Knox, after meeting at Homestead AFB at the end of WWII. They were married for 66 years until Stan passed in 2012. She will be remembered for her eternal optimism and good cheer, her devotion to family and friends, and her loving nature. She was predeceased by her parents, Sadie and Pappy (Edwin), and brothers, Bert, Fred, Donald, and Jack. She is survived by two remaining brothers, Ed and Hugo, and her five children, Kenneth (Sharon), Kirby (Tasha), Kevin (Teresa), Kelly (Tommy) and Karl (Elaine), as well as five grandchildren and nine great-grandchildren. A memorial service will be held at Silver Palm United Methodist Church in Homestead, on July 13th, at 3 PM. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Silver Palm UMC.
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