Peggy M. Knochelman, 72, of Independence, KY, passed away unexpectedly on Saturday, May 31, 2025, at UC Medical Center in Cincinnati, OH. The daughter of Preston Lloyd Sorrell, Sr. and Anna Florence {Valindingham} Shumaker, Peggy was born in Covington, KY, on July 23, 1952. In September 1986, she married the love of her life, Alan Knochelman, and together they shared 39 beautiful years of marriage filled with love, laughter, and unwavering partnership.

Known for her selflessness, thoughtful spirit, and gentle understanding, Peggy was the kind of person who would drop everything to help someone in need. She was the rock of her family, the steady hand, the wise listener, the warm hug when life felt heavy. Peggy found joy in the simple pleasures of life - crossword puzzles, coloring books, and time in the kitchen where she expressed her love through food. Her famous chocolate pound cake, with its signature chocolate filling, was a family favorite. A woman of faith, she a was former member of New Bethel Baptist Church where she participated in 15 mission trips helping others and in more recent years, a member of Kenton Baptist Church where she continued to grow in faith and friendship.

She will be deeply missed by her husband, Alan Knochelman; children Tracy L. (Todd) Birge, Patricia K. Johnson, Wayne L. Knochelman, Angela J. (Doug) Kirk, and Amy Knochelman-Groves; siblings Paul A. (Tanya) Sorrell, Mark (Teresa) Sorrell, Lisa Shumaker, Preston Lloyd (Katherine) Sorrell, Jr., and Adam Sorrell; grandchildren Christian, Anna, Noah, Katie, Ryan, Savannah, Skyler, Rocky, Logan, and Austin; great-grandchildren Xavier and Lennox; her dogs Princess and Alan; and several nieces, nephews, and other relatives who Peggy cherished dearly.

Peggy was preceded in death by her father Preston Lloyd (Mona) Sorrell, Sr.; mother Anna (Dane) Shumaker; son SSgt Jeffrey S. Johnson; and brother Jim Sorrell.

A visitation will be held be held on Saturday, June 7th between 10 AM and 12 PM with a funeral service to begin immediately after at 12 PM at Chambers & Grubbs – Independence. Peggy will be laid to rest at New Bethel Cemetery. Memorial donations may be made in Peggy’s honor to the American Heart Association by clicking here and/or to the Alzheimer’s Association by clicking here. For directions, or to share an online condolence to the family, please visit the corresponding tabs on this page.