Jody Knoell

Jody Nadine Knoell

1960 – 2023

Jody Nadine Knoell was born October 25, 1960, to Ody and Mary Jo (Quealy) Knoell in Rawlins, Wyoming.  At less than 6 months of age she moved to Lewellen, Nebraska with her parents and her 3-year-old sister, Bunny.

Growing up in Lewellen was everything a small, rural Nebraska village had to offer.  She went to school at LGS and LRHS, she attended and was confirmed in the Grace Lutheran Church and enjoyed the free swimming at the Lewellen pool.  Her summers were spent taking care of her 4-H projects, traveling to horse shows, and getting her livestock ready for the Garden County Fair and for a couple years, the Nebraska State Fair.

Jody graduated from Lewellen Rural High School in 1979.  That fall she headed to Eastern Wyoming College on a livestock judging scholarship.  After completing two years there she transferred to the University of Wyoming where she earned a bachelor’s degree in social work.  Her career began at a non-profit in Scottsbluff, Nebraska.  After a short time, she moved to Rawlins, Wyoming and began working for the Big Brother Big Sister program.  When it was time to move, she spent the next 7 years in the social work field in Pensacola, Florida.  While in Florida she earned her master’s degree in social work.

For some, the windy, bitter cold, Wyoming winters of Rawlins are a bit much.  For Jody, this seem to be where she thrived.  She moved back to Rawlins and spent the next 22 years there as a Mental Health Therapist for the Wyoming Department of Corrections.  Rawlins became Jody’s home.  Her friends and co-workers became a blessing in her life.  She enjoyed activities the area had to offer with these people, who became her family.  Jody always had a “special” animal friend starting with “Iggy” the cat.  When Iggy was gone, “Penny” the dog, showed up on her doorstep.  They shared many years together.  The last couple of years “Scamp” the cat and “Lucy” the dog were her companions. These fur friends traveled with her and were a comfort in her life.

Jody’s life was cut short with a cancer diagnosis in June 2023.  This condition was accompanied with blood clots that took her life on July 4, 2023.

Jody is survived by sister Bunny (Kevin) McComb, Niece Bailey (Anthony) Cooper, Brooklyn and Bradley. Nephew Breen (Devon) McComb, Brauley.  Cousin Ramona (Jay) Beach, Aunt Clara Mae Knoell.  Two long time friends and supporters, Rex Morgan and Sue Carr Albert.   She was preceded in death by her parents, Ody and Mary Jo Knoell, cousin Sherri Knoell, uncle Bud Knoell.