Gaye Nell Knolhoff, 90, of Centralia, passed away on Wednesday, August 5, 2026, at Fireside House Nursing Home in Centralia.
She was born on October 23, 1935, in Vandalia, Illinois, the daughter of Ralph B. Smith and Velma (Noffsinger) Smith. She married Lester “Wes” Knolhoff, who preceded her in death on March 8, 2000. She was also preceded in death by her first husband, Delbert Leigh.
Gaye worked at Sears for 30 years and she also worked in the pharmacy at Walmart. She was a member of First General Baptist Church. Gaye enjoyed dancing, watching soap operas, and shopping, but most of all she enjoyed spending time with her family.
She is survived by her children, Timothy Leigh of Centralia, David Leigh and wife Jeanne of Patoka, and Susan Branson and husband Keith of Centralia; step-sons, Steve Knolhoff and family and Phillip Knolhoff and family; grandchildren, Christy Nicholson and Allan of Mt. Vernon, Michael Leigh of Centralia, Jennifer Leigh Carter of Bingham, Jason Leigh and Tiffany of Vandalia, Jamie Alexander of Fairview Heights, Aaron Branson and Abbi of Herrin and Lindsey Branson of Centralia; 19 great-grandchildren, including Zoey, Laila,
Waylon, Maddox, Alyviah, Ashley, David, Courtney, Tabitha, Zac, Brittney, Brandon, Brianne, Hannah, Darian, Chloe, Xzavion, Lyric, and Avah; 24 great-great-grandchildren; a sister, LuAnn Nestrick of Vandalia; sister-in-law Linda Smith of Texas and several nieces, nephews, cousins, and extended family members.
In addition to her husbands, Gaye was preceded in death by her parents; brother, Ronald Smith; sister, Carolyn Kistler; grandson, David Leigh Jr.; great-nephew, Shane Devall; nephew, Brad Kistler and daughter-in-law, Karen Leigh.
A graveside service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, August 15, 2026, at Hillcrest Memorial Park in Centralia, IL. Interment will follow at the cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the family and will be accepted at the Sutherland-Garnier Funeral Home located at 235 North Sycamore Street Centralia, Illinois 62801. For inquiries, please call (618) 532-3523. Online condolences may be expressed by visiting www.sutherlandfuneralhome.com or the Funeral Home Facebook page. To send flowers or a memorial gift to the family of Gaye Knolhoff, please visit our Sympathy Store.
