Gladys G. (Moyer) Knechel , 91, of Harleysville, Pennsylvania, went home to be with her Lord and Savior on Monday, June 15, 2026, at Meadowood Senior Living in Lansdale.

Born in Elroy, Pennsylvania, Gladys was the daughter of the late Raymond A. Moyer and the late Lillie (Godshall) Moyer. She was the beloved wife of the late Harold A. Knechel, with whom she shared 66 years of marriage.

Throughout her lifetime, Gladys was known for her strong work ethic and servant's heart. Growing up, she helped on the home farm and went to work on the Philadelphia market route with her dad.  After completing her formal schooling through eighth grade, she worked as a seamstress at the former Hosiery Mill in Quakertown, and served as a local nanny and housekeeper before marrying Harold.   Gladys and Harold began their married years living in the farmhouse with Harold's parents, the late Herbert & Edna Knechel.  She soon began to help her husband with the farming by milking cows twice daily for many years.  Getting established in farming as a young couple brought financial challenges, which prompted them to work seasonally on the dressing line at the former Longacre's Poultry in Franconia. Gladys' dedication to the farm ran deep; she lovingly bottled fresh milk from their cows for her family every day, until just a few weeks before her passing, even though she did not drink milk.

Gladys always enjoyed traveling.  She and Harold made numerous road trips throughout the contiguous United States, as well as traveling to Hawaii, Alaska, Canada and trips to European countries. They made an annual trip to Florida for more than 40 years, where they enjoyed many winter weeks together with family and friends in Pinecraft and Sarasota, Florida.  Additionally, their typical week included a day trip to Lancaster, usually Fridays.  Gladys delighted in shopping for fresh, local produce for the Sunday family gatherings as well as in shopping for clothing for her grandchildren.  Her additional shopping often included pursuing her keen interest in healthy living and nutrition.

A lifelong member of Towamencin Mennonite Church, Gladys faithfully served her church family in many capacities, including as a Sunday School teacher, nursery worker, kitchen committee member, and wherever help was needed. Her Christian faith was the foundation of her life. Together, she and Harold were passionate about supporting ministries that shared the Gospel, both locally and around the world.

Family was at the center of Gladys' life. She was known for her loyalty to family, her generous hospitality, and the delicious meals she lovingly prepared for family and friends. Sunday evening gatherings with children and grandchildren were treasured times filled with singing, prayer, devotions, and Bible reading as well as delicious food that she skillfully prepared.  She taught by both word and example, living out the message of her favorite hymn, "To Be Like Jesus."  Through her daily devotions and commitment to Scripture, she exemplified the virtues of the Proverbs 31 woman.

She is survived by her six children: Jeryl M. Knechel and his wife, Eileen (deceased), of Harleysville; Phyllis K. Leatherman and her husband, Gerald, of Harleysville; Eileen K. Parmer and her husband, Loren, of Harleysville; H. Dean Knechel and his wife, Kathleen, of Harleysville; Darryl M. Knechel and his wife, Stacey, of Harleysville; and Gloria J. Bergey and her husband, Lowell, of Hatfield. She is also survived by her 32 grandchildren, her 69 great-grandchildren, her brother, Arlin G. Moyer and his wife, Donna, of Quakertown; and her sister-in-law, Sue Detweiler of Souderton.

In addition to her husband and parents, Gladys was preceded in death by her daughter-in-law, Eileen H. Knechel; her granddaughter, Shayna Janae Bergey; her great-grandson, Oliver Emil Mikityuk (stillborn); her two brothers, Marvin G. Moyer and Jay A. Moyer; and her sister-in-law, Arlene Moyer.

A viewing will be held on Sunday, July 12, 2026, from 4:30 pm to 6:30 pm at Towamencin Mennonite Church, 1980 Sumneytown Pike, Kulpsville, PA 19443, followed by a funeral service at 6:30 pm. The service will be livestreamed via the church website, or by this direct link https://www.youtube.com/@towamencinmc/live .

Burial will take place on Monday, July 13, 2026, at 11:00 am at Towamencin Mennonite Church Cemetery, where Gladys will be laid to rest beside her beloved husband, Harold.

Memorial contributions may be made in Gladys' memory to: Water for Life, P.O. Box 456, Kalona, IA 52247, (for the drilling of new wells in Haiti) or donate online at https://www.wflhaiti.org/donate/ .

Arrangements by: Anders-Detweiler Funeral Home & Crematory, 130 East Broad Street, Souderton, PA 18964. To send online condolences to the family, visit www.andersfh.com .