Betty Lou (Liz) File passed on to God, whom she worshipped all her life, on August 7th, 2002.

Betty Lou File was born in Kenosha, Wisconsin on January 18th, 1926 to the joy of her parents Earl J. File and Thelma M. Clark They resided in Eau Claire, Wis. and Augusta, Wis. Although her parents divorced, she was loved and cherished by them. Earle resided in the San Diego/Chula Vista area for 30 years until his death. Thelma Clark remained in the Eau Claire and Augusta area until her death.

Both of her parents were professional musicians and passed on their talent and love of music to their daughter. Betty Lou, known to many of her friends as Liz, was a saxophone player in the Augusta High School Band and played for many years in the Eau Claire Symphony. Her love of music led her to learn to play the electric organ, zither, and later the cymbals in the Century Village Band. Music was an important part of her life and became a way for her to express herself. She was especially interested in the use of music in her worship and prayer. She sang in the church choir and praised God through song.

She married Herbert L. Knuth and began her family in Augusta, Wis., with the birth of her son Dean L. Knuth. Several years later while living in Bakersfield, CA. she welcomed a daughter, Karen M. Knuth. The family resided in Eau Claire. The marriage was ended after 18 years in 1965. Her love and pride in her children continued through her life.

She began a relationship with Anthony Hames, a life partner and soul mate for the next 30 years. They resided in the Chicago, Ill. Area. They remained together until his health declined in 1998. At that time she moved to Pembroke Pines, Florida in the Century Village Retirement Community to be closer to her daughter. Liz had suffered a stroke and had multiple health needs and required the assistance of family and friends.

Liz was spiritual and a devout Christian. She had many friends and made new friends wherever she went. She had many talents and abilities that she shared with many. She cared for the elderly and shut-ins when she lived in San Diego, CA. She had hobbies and crafts that she pursued. She was a skilled equestrian and taught horseback riding to children at her stable with horses in Illinois. She was an upbeat and caring individual until her illness and declining health kept her from traveling. However, she continued to stay in contact with many friends by telephone.

She is survived by her son, Dean L. Knuth and his wife Suzanne in Bonita, CA and her daughter Karen M. Knuth, Psy.D. Dean is a U. S. Naval Academy graduate and is employed by Northrop Grumman in San Diego. He was a senior staff member of the U S Golf Association for 16 years. Dr. Karen Knuth is a Psychologist in private practice in Miami, FL. She resides with her life partner, Dr. Ely Levy, PhD. Betty Lou felt that her greatest achievement was producing her successful son and daughter.

Betty Lou is survived by three grandchildren, from the union of Dean Knuth and Pamela Stewart: Alison Knuth Brown, 29, of Los Angeles, Gregory Knuth, 24 of San Diego and Stephen Knuth, 14, of Coronado, CA.

Her step-mother, Leda File, resides in Chula Vista.

There will be a memorial service at Glen Abbey Mortuary, on Bonita Road, in Bonita on Saturday, August 17th at: 2pm, which is open to friends and family. Betty Lou will be interred in her father�s mausoleum.