Bernice D. Knox, 91, Valley Falls, died Saturday, Dec. 22, 2012, at a care facility in Manhattan.

She was born on Nov. 22, 1921, at Lawrence, the daughter of James Blaine and Hattie (Rose) Wiggins. She graduated from Lawrence High School in 1939 and attended Kansas State Agricultural College.

Bernice was very active in her youth in her local 4-H Club. In 1937 she showed the Grand Champion Guernsey Cow at the Kansas Free Fair at Topeka. In 1938 at the same fair she showed the Grand Champion Ayrshire Cow. At Valley Falls she was a member of her local Home Demonstration Unit for over 50 years and was a Prosperity 4-H Club Leader.

She married James W. Knox, D.V.M. on July 27, 1942, at Lawrence. After WW II they lived in Mexico from 1949-52 where Dr. Knox served on the Mexican-United States Commission for the Eradication of Hoof and Mouth Disease. At Valley Falls Bernice was the office manager for her husband's veterinary practice. Dr. Knox died on Sept. 21, 1998. A sister, Elizabeth Saunders, also preceded her in death.

Survivors include two sons, Blaine (Flora) Knox, D.D.S., Manhattan, and Andrew Knox, Baton Rogue, LA; eight grandchildren and eleven great-grandchildren.

The funeral service will be at 1:30 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 26, 2012, at Mercer Funeral Home in Valley Falls. Burial will be at the Valley Falls Cemetery.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Jefferson County 4-H Foundation and sent in care of the funeral home, PO Box 6, Valley Falls, KS 66088.