Kiela Gem Knowles

Kiela Gem Knowles, age 19, of Park Rapids, MN, was ushered into eternity all too suddenly and tragically on Sunday, February 23, 2014 at her home in Park Rapids. Kiela was born on October 8, 1994 in Park Rapids, MN to Mel E. and Sarah (Morrissette) Knowles II. As a small baby she moved with her parents to New Baiden, Ill where she began her formal public school education. At the age of eight, she moved to Perry, Georgia and in 2006, she returned to Illinois where she lived in the community of O'Fallon. In 2010, she returned to Park Rapids where she lived with her father. On September 16, 2011, Kiela's life was forever blessed with the birth of her precious son, Kaden. Kiela loved photography and had ambitions of starting her own studio one day. She was also a gifted artist who loved to do pencil sketches and acrylic and water color painting. Kiela also had a flair with interior decorating and doing fashion design. She loved music and spending time with her close friends. Above all, Kiela deeply cherished her son, Kaden and her other family members who she loved with all her heart. Her family is comforted in knowing that Kiela had a deep faith and loving relationship with God and is now in Heaven safe in the arms of Jesus. Kiela will be forever remembered in love by her son, Kaden age 2 ½ years; her father, Mel E. Knowles, II of Park Rapids; her mother, Sarah (Sione) Katai of Hamilton, New Zealand; her paternal grandparents: Melvin E (Joy) Knowles of Rice, MN and Darlene (David Johnson) Knowles of Park Rapids; her maternal gradparents: Fred (Susan) Morrissette of Lincolton, NC and Cris (Ken) Campbell of O'Fallon, Ill.; her sisters: Carina (Joe) Gerrard of Cedar City, Utah, Michellee Ruiz of Belleville, Ill and Shirley Katai of Hamilton, New Zealand; as well as two nephews: Eli Garrard and Jason Ruiz. Kiela was preceded in death by her great grandmother, Mildred Knowles who she considered to be her guardian angel and her cousin, Marquise who died in 2010. Funeral services have been set for 2 PM Saturday, March 29, 2014 at the Jones-Pearson Funeral Home in Park Rapids with visitation beginning one hour prior to the service. Reverend Marty Giese will be officiating. There will also be visitation held from 6 to 8 PM on Friday, March 28th at the Jones-Pearson Funeral Home. To leave on line condolences or to view the video tribute please visit www.jonespearson.com