Lovella Ditto Elaine Kniveton, of Eltopia, Washington, died January 12, 2012 at home surrounded by Hal, her husband of 71 years, and her four children. Ditto was born March 28, 1918, to Marvin and Lulu Hawley in Stockton, California the third of four children. She grew up with two older sisters and a younger brother on a ranch near Farmington, California. She spent most of her early life on the ranch, where as a young girl she developed a love for horses. After graduating from High School she attended the College Of Pacific in Stockton, California, where she received her Bachelor of Arts degree. On August 31, 1940 she married Harold Kniveton in Farmington, California. They made their home on the Hawley ranch near Farmington where their four children were born. On her fortieth birthday in March of 1958 Hal and Ditto moved their family to the Columbia Basin. They cleared sagebrush and made a new home. Ditto worked part time for the Mesa Post Office for 17 years. She enjoyed swimming, golf and playing bridge with her friends. Always on the go and ready for any new adventure, Ditto was happiest surrounded by family and friends.
Ditto is survived by her husband Harold Hal Kniveton; her son Ken and wife Barb Kniveton, of Eltopia; her son Larry and wife Bonnie Kniveton, of Quincy; her daughter Mary Jane and husband Bruce Wildfang of Walla Walla; her son Steve and wife Kathy Kniveton, of Eltopia; nine Grand Children and 14 Great Grandchildren.
A memorial service will be held Saturday, January 21, 2012, at 11:00AM at the Eltopia United Church of Christ, 100 Lateral Drive, Eltopia, Washington.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Eltopia United Church of Christ, P.O. Box 207, Eltopia, WA 99330, or a charity of your choice.