Carol Jean Knief

Carol Jean Knief, age 81, passed away peacefully on March 22, 2025, in Ocala, Florida. She was born on June 20, 1943, in Peoria, Illinois, and was a loving daughter, mother, sister, and grandmother. 

Carol dedicated 25+ years of her life to nursing at Monroe Hospital in Ocala, where her compassion and care touched countless lives. She held an Associate’s degree in Nursing and was a devoted member of Grandview Church. Carol was known for her love of adventure, often traveling and camping in her RV with her husband Fred and all her grandchildren. She also had a passion early in life for sailing, scuba diving, but more recently shopping, baking, and sewing—activities that brought her immense joy. 

She was preceded in death by her son, Eric Taylor; her grandson, Elliott Taylor; her husband, Fred Knief; her mother, Ethel Nesselroad; and her brother, Ron Richardson. Carol is survived by her daughter, Bryn Garr; her brothers, Wayne and Tom Richardson; as well as her 3 grandchildren and 4 great-grandchildren and many other family members and friends who will miss her dearly. 

A funeral service will be held at Grandview Church on March 31, 2025, at 11:00 am, led by Pastor James Watts. Burial will follow at Highlands Memorial. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial contributions be made to Grandview Church or the Michael J. Fox Foundation. 

Carol’s kind spirit and love of life will forever be remembered by all who knew her.