Patricia "Patti" Joy Knowlton

Patricia Joy Knowlton, 87, passed away peacefully on June 28, 2026, in Phoenix, Arizona.

Patti was born on March 17, 1939, in Emmett, Idaho, to Floyd Albert Fulgham and Goldie Alice Fulgham. She grew up on her family's farm alongside her four siblings, where hard work, family, and community were simply a way of life. Her father was a dairy farmer, her mother raised chickens, and every member of the family pitched in to help. Those early years instilled in Patti a quiet strength, a deep appreciation for nature, and a lifelong love of animals.

Among her happiest childhood memories were riding her beloved palomino horse, Lucky, and spending countless days fishing with her family on Willow Creek, Squaw Creek, and the Third Fork near Sweet and Ola, Idaho. Those adventures created memories she treasured throughout her life.

Patti graduated from Emmett High School in 1956 before attending Boise Junior College while working at the original Albertsons store on 16th and State Street in Boise. During high school she met the love of her life, Steve Knowlton, who grew up in nearby Sweet, Idaho. They married in November 1958, beginning a remarkable 54-year marriage that lasted until Steve's passing in 2012. As Steve's career with Price Waterhouse grew, Patti embraced a life of adventure and new beginnings. Together they made homes in Seattle and Bainbridge Island, Washington; Portland, Oregon, where their son, Derek, was born in 1971; Rancho Palos Verdes, California; Houston, Texas; and eventually Lake Travis, Texas. After retirement, they fulfilled another dream by purchasing a home in Yellow Pine, Idaho, where they spent summers surrounded by the mountains that Patti loved so dearly. Even after Steve's passing, she continued returning there for many years because it always felt like home.

Patti had many interests throughout her life. She enjoyed tennis and skiing in her younger years, but she was especially gifted as an artist. She created beautiful sculptures and paintings that remain treasured by family and friends. She also embraced the opportunity to see the world, traveling to Russia, China, throughout Europe, the Galápagos Islands, Machu Picchu, and even climbing Mount Kilimanjaro—experiences that reflected her adventurous spirit and curiosity. More than anything, Patti will be remembered for her kindness. She was a gentle, trusting soul who believed in the goodness of people. Raised in an era when a person's word was their bond, she carried those values throughout her life. She chose to see the best in others, offered grace freely, and treated everyone with warmth and compassion. Her generous heart, quiet strength, and unwavering optimism touched countless lives, and she will be deeply missed.

Patti was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Steve Knowlton; her parents, Floyd and Alice Fulgham; her brothers, Jess Albert "Jim" Fulgham and Donald "Fuzz" Fulgham; and her sisters, Delores Parks and Fern Hudson.

She is survived by her son, Derek Knowlton, his wife, Rae, and her daughter, Marie; along with many nieces, nephews, grandnieces, grandnephews, cousins, dear friends, and her faithful dog, Ginny, who was her constant companion.

Services will be held at Potter Funeral Chapel, 228 E Main Street, Emmett, Idaho on July 14, 2026 at 11:00 AM, followed by interment at the Sweet Cemetery at 12:30 PM.  After the graveside service, there will be a memorial luncheon at Elements Restaurant (1825 Highway 16, Emmett) at 2:00.  Those unable to attend will also be able to view the service on Patti's obituary page at the Potter Funeral Chapel website; https://www.potterchapel.com

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that memorial donations be made to the Humane Society of Wickenburg, Arizona, a cause that was close to Patti's heart and one to which she and her family devoted many years of volunteer work and support. In honoring her memory through this organization, you also honor her lifelong compassion and belief in the world around her.
https://wickenburghumane.com/

A life well lived is measured not only by accomplishments, but by the love and kindness shared with others. Patti lived such a life. She leaves behind a legacy of compassion, creativity, adventure, and enduring love that will continue to inspire all who knew her.

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