Knipfer matriarch celebrates 90th birthday

Rita (Babb) Knipfer is the last of Nora (Turbiville) Knipfer's children and spouses alive. Rita is the widow of the late Ernest Knipfer.

A gathering of fifty-one of her relatives gathered for lunch, picture taking and much visiting and reminiscing on July 3 at Ekalaka Bible Church. Besides her 3 daughters; Ellen (Keith) Beach, Irene (Jim) Hendricks and Nita (Gary) Schallenberger; her brother Loyal (LaVonne) Babb; 7 grandchildren and spouses; 14 great-grandchildren; she was also joined by numerous nieces, nephews, great-nieces and nephews, and great-great nieces and nephews. Family came from South Dakota, Colorado, Washington, Nevada, Nebraska and Wyoming to help her celebrate. Various neighbors and friends joined the group for a cake and ice cream open house in the afternoon.