Shirley M. Knox

Age 67 of New Castle

Passed away peacefully at home surrounded by her family on January 6, 2025.

Shirley was one of three daughters born to William T. and Marlene Rutherford. She grew up in New Castle and was a proud 1975 graduate of William Penn High School. Shirley also received her associate's degree in accounting from Goldey Beacom College.

On October 6, 1979, Shirley married the love of her life, Daniel Knox. Together they shared 45 loving years living in Old New Castle and raising their family.

Shirley had many hobbies and talents. She was happiest sharing her talents through volunteering. For over 20 years, Shirley volunteered with AARP, as a tax aide to assist mostly elderly and low-income individuals with tax prep and filing at the New Castle Sr. Center. She was a member of New Castle Presbyterian Church for 40 years, singing in the choir, playing hand bells, and serving as the recording secretary for 19 of those years. But more than anything Shirley was an artist. SHE MADE QUILTS! Shirley could take a closet full of fabric, have a vision, and create something magical out of it. The recipients of Shirley's quilts always walked away with tears (of joy) in their eyes.

Shirley was a long-time member of Longwood Gardens and she spent many a day walking those trails and meadows and taking in the scenery. Longwood was her "happy place". Shirley also spent many hours on her bicycles riding the roads and trails in the tri-state area. Most of all Shirley loved her family. She was a doting wife, unconditionally loving mother, and devoted Grammy who will be dearly missed.

She was preceded in death by her father, William T. Rutherford, and her sister, Pam Rutherford.
Shirley is survived by her mother, Marlene Rutherford; her husband of 45 years, Daniel Knox; her children, Christine Collins (Kevin), Andrew Knox (Andi), and Danielle June (Mike); and her 6 favorite people on this earth - grandchildren, Patrick Knox, Liam, Maggie, and Isabel Collins, Emilia and Beckham June. She is also survived by her sister, Diane Kirk (David), and many loving nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.

Our family's gratitude goes out to Dr. Hayley Knollman and her team at Penn Medicine and Dr. Sujung Park and her team at Christiana for their grace and compassion with Shirley's treatment during her 9 year cancer journey.

Relatives and friends are invited to gather at New Castle Presbyterian Church, 25 E. 2nd St., New Castle, DE, on Friday, Jan 17 from 12:00pm-2:00pm. Celebration of Life Service will take place at the church at 2:00pm. Burial will take place privately.

In lieu of flowers the family asks for donations to be made in Shirley's name to New Castle Presbyterian Church.