Marcella Knedler, 90, longtime resident of Geraldine, passed away December 21, 2015 at Sapphire Assisted Living in Great Falls.

Per her wishes, cremation has taken place.

Marcella Makich was born January 17, 1925 in Denton, MT to Mike and Mary (Landa) Makich. She was raised in Square Butte, attending elementary school there. Marcella graduated from Geraldine High School in 1942. She then went on to the College of Great Falls, graduating with a bachelor’s degree in math along with a teaching certificate.

On May 15, 1948 Marcella married Jim Knedler in Great Falls. To their union a daughter, Brenda and son, Robert joined their legacy.

She taught elementary school for one year in Square Butte, and finished out her teaching career as an elementary school teacher in Geraldine. After her retirement, she volunteered as a teacher’s aide for several years in various Great Falls schools.

Marcella was an election judge in Geraldine, she served on the Montana Historical Society, and she co-authored and co-edited the Geraldine area history book in 1976.

In her free time, she loved gardening- she grew quite a few of her own vegetables and had a beautiful flower garden. She was also interested in antiques and Montana history.

She is survived by her daughter, Brenda Freeman of Great Falls; son, Robert Knedler of Geraldine; grandchildren, Brennan Freeman and Hayley Freeman of Great Falls; brother Max Makich of Glasgow; and her nieces Nancy Steel, Peg Knedler, Sue Knedler, Ann Makich and Jane Gorman.

Marcella was preceded in death by her husband, Jim Knedler.

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