of Marshall, AR

February 19, 1931 - February 18, 2022

Eva Jo Knittig, age 90 of Marshall, Arkansas passed from this life on Friday, February 18th, 2022 at her home. She was born in Bear Creek, Arkansas on February 19th, 1931 to Doyle T. Horton and Ola Melissa Blair Horton.

Eva Jo had a lifelong love of learning. She always knew she wanted to be a teacher but her love went further than just education. She was often found studying with her bible in her lap or watching a sermon on tv. She always knew the true purpose of life came from the words of her bible and she made it a daily part of her life. Eva Jo obtained her bachelor's degree in education. She taught a multitude of students from all over the country before deciding to go back to school for her master's degree in Speech Language Pathology. She had developed a special place in her heart for students with speech difficulties. She began her work as a speech pathologist in Arkansas and then in Georgia and Illinois before returning to North Little Rock in 1969. Ten years later, she returned home to Marshall, Arkansas and devoted the next 38 years of her life to making a difference through her profession. Eva loved children and she was always their advocate. Eva enjoyed traveling and she saw the world. Besides living in Japan for 3 years, she visited all 50 states as well as all of the provinces of Canada. She loved taking trips with her family and friends. One of her favorite trips was in 1996 when she set off with two of her closest friends on an adventure to the upper eastern states. They visited 11 different states and 5 provinces of Canada. They returned back home with many memories to share. Eva also had a love for genealogy. She found great joy and pride in sharing the information she had obtained about her family. From her great, great, great, grandpa to her great grand babies, Eva loved her family and her heritage. Eva Jo was a very hard worker all of her life, and she never quit until a job was finished. But, she didn't let that hard work ethic get in the way of the simple joys in life. Eva enjoyed fishing, gardening, beautiful flowers, teaching Sunday School, dancing, playing games, and working on her farm. Above all else, Eva loved the Lord and she loved her family. Each member of her family knew without a shadow of a doubt that they were loved and prayed for every day of her life. Her legacy will live on because of the life that she has built. When asked what she wanted to be most remembered for, her answer was simple. She hoped to be remembered as a faithful Christian, a loving mother, and a devoted grandmother. In the eyes of her loved ones, she accomplished all of these things and more.

Eva Jo is survived by her husband, Tony Knittig; her four children, Steven Cates (Karen) of Cabot, Patti Williams (Jerry) of North Little Rock, Daniel Cates (Barbara) of Marshall, and Craig Cates of Harrison; Her grandchildren, Benjamin Cates (Whitley), Melissa Bretz (Warren), Molly Lutz (Nate), Stephanie Taylor (Brandon),and Chris Rose (Kimberly): Great Grandchildren, June, Tobias, Beckett, Canaan, Avonlea, Eva, Lily, Austin, Gavin, Destiny, Madison and Riley; as well as many nieces, nephews, and extended family that will always hold her memory close. Eva Jo is preceded in death by her parents, Doyle and Ola Horton; siblings, Lee Voy Horton and JR Horton; sister-in-law, Lucille Horton; and daughter-in-law, Kim Cates.

Funeral services for Eva will be 11:00 AM Monday, February 21st, 2022 at Roller-Coffman Chapel in Marshall, Arkansas with Bro. John Eslinger officiating. Visitation will be 10:00 till 11:00 AM preceding the service. Burial will be in Bear Creek Cemetery. Bearers will be Jimmy Horton, Benjamin Cates, Warren Bretz, Steven Dale Horton, Brandon Taylor and G.C. Blair. Honorary bearers will be Nate Lutz, Jack Mays, Buck Mays, Chris Rose, Jerry Williams and James Ragland. A very special thank you to Kathy Martin for her love and support during Eva Jo's last few days at home.


At the families request due to COVID-19 masks will be mandatory at all indoor services for Eva. In lieu of flowers donations may be made to Baptist Children's Home, 354 West Street, Suite 1, Valparaiso, IN 46383, 219-462-4111.

Obituary Provided By:
Roller-Coffman Funeral Home
923 Highway 65 North
Marshall, AR  72650
www.rollerfuneralhomes.com