RETA EILEEN KNORR WILSON-WALZ

Reta Eileen (Knorr) Wilson-Walz was born the second child of Woodrow and Viola Knorr of Independence, MO May 8, 1936 and departed this life at Bonifay, FL May 17, 2025, at home with her dog and her family by her side.

Reta grew up living close to her grandparents, aunts and uncles. There was always some kind of family gathering at one of the grandparents homes.  It wasn’t until later in life that it was realized what a blessing it was to have such a loving family.  During her childhood years, there was much work to be done on the farm, as well as in the garden.  Things such as milking cows, feeding the chickens and hogs, as well as, helping to tend the family garden.  That was the time that she gained her love for canning fruits and vegetables.

The family moved quite a bit as they were growing.  New schools and new friends with each new home.  Reta graduated from North Harrison High School in Blythedale, MO in 1954.  It was there that she met Willis Clinton Wilson whom she married on May 1st 1954.  Not long after getting married, the two started a farm of their own.  However, it didn’t take long to realize that it was nearly impossible to make ends meet with just the farm.  Willie, as he came to be affectionately known, began working for the county road department, while Reta took care of the garden, livestock and much of the farm work, all the while keeping their first child, Monte, by her side.  Reta began sewing, churning butter and baking to help make the ends meet.  As the family grew, Reta sewed all of the children’s clothes and baked homemade bread.  She found a love for sewing and quilting and carried this passion well into her adult years. With their second child, Cynde, on the way, Reta and Willie moved to Kansas City, KS where Willie began working for Proctor and Gamble.  During their time with Proctor and Gamble, Reta and Willie continued searching for a new farm, and each new farm carried them farther west.  All while their young family continued to grow.  Soon their third child Lorita, “Lori” was born, and five years later their fourth child, Angela, “Angie” was born.  Even though the farm and career occupied much of their time, the family attended and was actively involved at Maywood Christian Church.  After many years, the harsh winters in Kansas took its toll on the family, and in 1973, the family moved to Florida to begin a successful real estate career.  Once settled in Florida, the family joined and became active members of West Bonifay Baptist Church.

After 33 years of marriage, Reta and Willie divorced.  It wasn’t long after that Reta joined the Church of Jesus Christ, of Latter Day Saints.  12 years later, Reta met Philip Walz. Philip was building a house for a client, in Reta’s newly developed “Pines Subdivision” outside of Tallahassee, FL.  What started out as mere acquaintances, over time grew into more and Reta and Philip married.  It was a “match made in Heaven”.  A real estate broker and developer married to a building contractor.  The two were inseparable.  They sought out property to purchase then designed and built homes on the properties together.

Even though Reta and Philip had the growing development business, they always took time out to spend with family.  Especially the grandchildren!  Reta loved taking the grandchildren on trips throughout the great west, as well as out to California to see her father and brother.  Reta would load up her van with the grandkids and food and take off and great adventures.  Only a roadmap and final destination was the plan.  Texas, Arizona, New Mexico, Utah, Colorado, Wyoming, Montana, North Dakota, South Dakota.  Round and round and round they’d go, where they went, only they would know.  These trips were some of her most fond memories!

Philip passed away June 19, 2017, and ever since, Reta had the desire to join him.  Now, the two are joined together, once again.

Reta is preceded in death by her husband Philip Walz of Tallahassee, FL;  parents, Woodrow and Viola Knorr; brothers Farrel Knorr and wife Jan of Riverdale, CA; Dennis Knorr and wife Sherry of Corpus Christie TX; son Monte Wilson of Bonifay, FL; and daughter Cynde Cullifer of Bonifay, FL.  She leaves to cherish her memory daughters, Lori Tate and Angela Willsey (Richard), both of Bonifay, FL; step-daughters Judy Tucker (Kenny) of Havana, FL and Connie Thomas of Madisonville, LA. 9 grandchildren; Amanda Moody, Joy Cullifer, Amie Bishop, Willis Wilson, Samantha Perry, Wade Tate, Chris Tate, Megan Creel and Jessica Kazmerski. Step grandchildren Kyle Tucker and Angel Thomas. 17 great-grandchildren, several great-great-grandchildren and a host of nieces’ nephews, cousins step-children and step grandchildren.  Grandma Reta will be remembered as a loving mother, grandmother and true friend to all that knew her.  She sincerely loved God, family, friends and her church family.  She will be missed by all that knew her.

The family will receive friends from 10 to 11 AM Saturday, May 24, 2025, at Peel Funeral Home.  A Celebration of Life Service will be held at 11:00 AM Saturday, May 24, 2025, in the Peel Funeral Home Chapel.  A Funeral Service will be held at 2:00 PM Saturday, May 24, 2025, at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints with interment to follow in the Bonifay Cemetery.   Peel Funeral Home and Bonifay Crematory in charge of arrangements.