Marilou Urbanek Knowles

AIKEN - The family of Marilou Urbanek Knowles, 87, mourns her loss. Marilou died peacefully on April 14, 2018 at Pepper Hill Nursing Home.  Before going to Pepper Hill she had been in Assisted Living at Trinity on Laurens.  There will be a Funeral at First Presbyterian Church Monday, April 30, 2018 at 11:00 AM.  The family will receive friends following the service.

        Marilou was born in Chicago, Illinois on January 9, 1931, the second daughter of Joseph and Rose Urbanek.  Her sister, Pearl, predeceased her in 1959.  She lived in Chicago until her junior year in high school, spending summers at their lake house in Wisconsin with her many cousins. Her family then moved to Hollywood, Florida where she attended her senior year in high school.  Marilou then attended Florida Southern University where she met her husband, Mel Knowles, who was attending college after serving in the United States Navy during World War II.  She moved to Aiken, South Carolina with her husband, Mel, in 1951 where they both were employed by Dupont.  Marilou was a tireless volunteer and a devoted member of Aiken’s First Presbyterian Church. She served on committees ranging from weddings to funerals, taught Sunday School, and worked diligently to get the weekly church newsletter completed. She was also involved in Girl Scouts with both of her daughters.  In the 1960s and 1970s she was the secretary to the principals, Mrs. Ellis, Mr. Willis, and Mr. Clyburn of Aiken Elementary School. Other interests were golfing at Woodside Country Club and Hilton Head Island, traveling and cruising with her beloved husband, Mel, and spending time with her children and grandchildren.  She will be missed by all her friends far and wide, from Texas to Scotland, as well as her beloved friends from Aiken Presbyterian Church and Woodside Country Club.  Marilou is survived by her husband of 68 years, Mel Knowles; two daughters, Vickie McElroy (Evan) and Sandy Nutt (Brian); and four grandchildren - Brian McElroy (Kerry), Casey McElroy,  Brandon Nutt, and Leah Nutt. Marilou was a force of nature who did it her way and will be missed by all of her friends and family.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to First Presbyterian Church, 224 Barnwell Ave., NW, Aiken, SC 29801.

SHELLHOUSE-RIVERS FUNERAL HOME, INC., 715 E. PINE LOG RD., AIKEN, SC

Marilou's online guest book may be signed at www.shellhouseriversfuneralhome.com