Lois Jean McKnelly, age 80, of Louisville, Illinois, passed away Thursday night, October 20, 2022, at her home. She was born April 22, 1942, in Clay County, the daughter of Nicholas "Lyle" and Zola Leona (Fulk) Bateman. Lois Jean was united in marriage to Billy D. McKnelly on August 16, 1964, at Ingraham Christian Church. She and Bill would later settle into their lifetime church home at Flora First Christian. Throughout the years, she found great joy in contributing her voice to song and praise during worship. Caring concern for family and friends was her life and heart. She was a kind caregiver who recognized the importance of making time for those who had a special need or concern, and volunteered at the Clay County Ministerial Alliance Food Pantry. Lois Jean loved preparing decorative cakes, gardening and canning, tending to her flowers, sharing affection for her pets, and being creative with upholstery and ceramics. She valued education, and even after raising a family b