It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Ellen Louise Barbara Knoernschild of Augusta, Missouri, on Thursday, January 8, 2026.
She attended Holy Redeemer Grade School in Webster Groves, Missouri. She graduated from Ursuline Academy in Kirkwood, Missouri, in 1959 and received a Bachelor of Arts in English from Webster College in 1963. Ellen completed graduate work at St. Louis University and the University of Missouri at Columbia, where she earned her teaching certificate. She worked as a secretary at St. Louis University Law School and taught English and Social Studies at Ursuline Academy and Washington Junior High School until 1969. She dedicated much of her life to maintaining Centennial Farms, which she and her husband, Robert, started in 1967. Ellen also served an extended term as Treasurer of the town of Augusta. An insatiable reader, she was a frequent visitor to the Augusta library and was known to read at least one book every day.
She was preceded in death by her parents, William and Mary Gallagher; her husband, Robert; her daughter, Chris Wright; and her grandson, Konner Knoernschild.
Ellen is survived by her son, Karl Knoernschild, and wife, Katra; her son-in-law, Mike Wright; her grandchildren, Shane Wright, Joseph Wright and wife, Katey; Gabriel Wright and wife, Hayley; Kyle Knoernschild, and Ian Knoernschild; and her great-grandchildren, Keegan Wright and Olivia Wright.
A celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, January 31, from 10:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Ebenezer United Church of Christ in Augusta, Missouri.
Obituary provided by family.