Elisabeth E. Knowles

Elisabeth Knowles, 64, of Ridgeland, SC, passed away on Sunday, July 21, 2024. Elisabeth was born on August 10, 1959 in Wachenheim, in the Rhine Palatine to the late Karl Adolf Helbig and Renate Helbig.

Elisabeth met Col. Knowles when she was the owner of Edelweiss Restaurant in Bellevue, Nebraska, while Don was a Squadron Commander at Offutt Air Force Base. Don and Elisabeth married in 2007. Upon Col. Knowles retirement, they moved to their present home on Knowles Plantation in Ridgeland, SC. She was a devoted Christian, and was very proud to have become a United States citizen in 1999.

In addition to her husband, Ret. Col. USAF Donald T. Knowles, Elisabeth is survived by her mother, Renate Helbig of Wachenheim, Germany; son Christopher Williamson and family, wife, Sarah, of Bellevue, Nebraska; Granddaughters Shyanne, Madison, and Emily of Bellevue, Nebraska; brother, Otto Helbig and family, wife Lisa, sons Tyler, Cooper, Maximillian of Ridgeland, SC, and daughter Zoe Wynn along with grandchildren Sabiella and Novisella of Omaha, Nebraska; brother Michael Helbig and family, wife Petra and daughter Melanie of Germany; best friend from childhood, Hannelore Busch of Germany.

Elisabeth is predeceased by her father, Karl Adolf Helbig passed 1995; brothers, Friedel Helbig passed 2008, and Klaus Helbig passed 2023.

A celebration of life service will be held at Noon on Saturday, August 3, 2024 at the home of Ret. Col. USAF Donald T. Knowles, 7116 Lowcountry Drive Ridgeland, SC 29936.

We encourage all who attend to dress in summer casual attire, as the temperature outside will be very warm.