Evalena D. Knock (Queenie), 83, passed away March 5, 2021 with hospice at Firesteel Healthcare Center in Mitchell, SD. She was surrounded by family.

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Queenie was born December 2, 1937 in Ravenswood, WV to Levi Julius and Gladys Laverna (Nuzum) McQueen. She graduated from Parkersburg High School in Parkersburg, WV. In 1957, following her family's rich, deep heritage of military service tracing back to the Revolutionary War, she joined the US. Air Force.

While stationed in the Air Force, Queenie met Vernon, an Air Force MP. A military wedding was held July 20, 1958 at Lowry's Air Force Base in Denver, CO. Their first son, Carl, was born July 20, 1959 with Bruce's birth following on April 20, 1962. As a family, they lived in Lennox, Salem and Mitchell, SD. In 1967 they moved to Kimball, SD wherein they established permanent residence.

Together Queenie and Vernon experienced a spiritual calling and began to foster children. Queenie cared for Carl and Bruce and numerous foster children for about 10 years before being blessed with the birth of their first girl Karen in 1973, then Korén in 1974 and Kristy in 1977.

In 1976 Queenie entered the work force as a health aide for the Aurora Brule Nursing Home in White Lake, SD. She gave residents loving, compassionate care up until retirement in 1999.

Queenie was strong in her faith and was active with the Protestant Church. She often volunteered time helping to make quilts for donation and helping various community members in need. She also found great joy in gardening.

Queenie is survived by: Carl Knock (Deb Phyle) and his children with Marylce, Carl Steven (Buddy) Knock and Carmen (Jeff) Landhuis, Bruce (Tina) Knock, Karen Knock and children Dylan (Kylie) Hagerty and Alauna Hagerty, Korén Knock and children Jordan Knock and Brooke Hood, Kristy (Neil) Sabbah and children Jeanine, Dalaal, Falestine, Nada, foster son Dennis Wayne Onihan (Nita Yaz), many great grandchildren and numerous dear friends.

Preceding her in death were her husband Vernon in 2003, brothers John E. McQueen and Dewey McQueen and sister Betty Morlan.

A Committal Service with Military Honors will be held Saturday, March 13, 2021 at 11:00 am at the Kimball City Cemetery with Pastor Derek Runge of the Protestant Parish officiating. Visitation will be held on Friday, March 12, 2021 from 5-7pm at the Protestant Parish in Kimball.