Jane Etta Knoten's Obituary
Jane Knoten, a lifelong resident of Tulsa, Oklahoma, passed away peacefully on Sunday, March 29, 2026, at the age of 80.
Jane was born on June 21, 1945, in Tulsa to Floyd and Trustie Hannah. She grew up in the community she would cherish throughout her life and graduated from McLain High School. She went on to earn her Bachelor’s degree from the University of Tulsa and her Master’s degree from Oklahoma State University, laying the foundation for a long and meaningful career in education.
In August of 1967, Jane married the love of her life, Simon “Sam” Knoten. Together, they built a beautiful life centered on faith, family, and service. They were devoted members of Highland Park Christian Church, where they formed lasting friendships and remained active in their community.
Jane dedicated 33 years to Tulsa Public Schools as an elementary physical education teacher. She had a remarkable gift for inspiring children, instilling in them a lifelong appreciation for sports, health, and fitness. Her enthusiasm and encouragement impacted thousands of students over the years, and her legacy continues through the many lives she touched.
Outside of her career, Jane had a profound love for the outdoors. She could often be found riding her bike, guiding school groups through the Oxley Nature Center, or enjoying time on her SeaDoo across Oklahoma’s many lakes. Her adventurous spirit and appreciation for nature were truly infectious.
Nothing brought Jane more joy than her family, especially her grandchildren. Whether it was baseball, football, soccer, track, cross country, swimming, basketball, or golf, Jane and Sam were constant fixtures in the stands, cheering with pride and love at every opportunity.
In retirement, Jane continued her life of service alongside Sam, volunteering countless hours with the American Red Cross, Oxley Nature Center, and Tulsa International Airport. Her generosity and commitment to helping others reflected the very heart of who she was.
Jane was preceded in death by her parents, Floyd and Trustie Hannah, and her brother, John Hannah.
She is survived by her beloved husband of 59 years, Sam Knoten; her daughter and son-in-law, Stephanie and Ryan Glenn; her son and daughter-in-law, Mark and Jessica Knoten; and her cherished grandchildren, Brock Knoten and his wife Kelsy, Peyton Glenn, Allie Glenn, Cannon Knoten, Zoey Rodriguez, and Bella Rodriguez. She was also blessed with one great-grandson, Dawson Knoten. Jane is further survived by her brother and sister-in-law, Floyd and Lynn Hannah; her sister-in-law, Ann Hannah; her sister-in-law, Doris Jean Wilkins; and many adored nieces and nephews.
A celebration of Jane’s life will be held this summer, with the exact date to be announced.
In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that donations be made in Jane’s memory to The Parkinson’s Foundation.
Jane will be remembered for her boundless energy, her servant’s heart, and the deep love she had for her family, her students, and the world around her. Her legacy of kindness, joy, and dedication will live on in all who knew her
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