Obituary of Brenda E. Kniffen

Brenda Elaine Kniffen, 67, of Truxton, passed away peacefully on September 15, 2026, at her home, surrounded by her loving family, following a long and courageous battle with cancer. Brenda was born on March 16, 1959, in Cortland, New York, a daughter of the late Ray A. Kniffen and Ella May Loucks. Brenda was a devoted homemaker who found joy in the simple things in life. She loved crocheting, cooking and baking, but most of all, she loved taking care of others and helping anyone who needed her. Her generous heart, loving nature, and willingness to always lend a hand touched the lives of many. Her family was her greatest joy, and she treasured every moment spent with them. Brenda is survived by the love of her life and her truest best friend since seventh grade, George McCracken of Truxton; her brother, Kelvin (Sandy) Barnard of Homer; and her children, Ray "Mike" (Patti) Russell of Cuyler, Bridget (Matthew) Yaple of Cortland, Tiffany (Ryan) Johnson of Homer, Josh Douglas of Geneva, Timothy "TJ" (Kim) Casterline of Cortland, and Brittany (Andy) Casterline of Cincinnatus. She leaves behind sixteen grandchildren: Taylor, Paige, Madison, Austin, Zander, Riley, Maddox, Mikey, Tristen, Kina, Kaylanah, Piper, Jase, Paxton, Lillian, and Dawson; and six great-grandchildren: Aspen, Kole, Keaton, Kylan, Karla Ray, and Leo. Brenda is also survived by her lifelong best friend, Marianne "Mimi" Evangelista, her many beloved four-legged children, as well as several nieces, nephews, and cousins. In addition to her parents, Brenda was predeceased by her sisters, Lucretia "Punky" Loveless, Roselyn "Rosie" Seamans, Ruthann Griffiths, and Marilyn "Jean" Sherman; and her brothers, Raymond Kniffen, Jeffrey Barnard, and Richard "Dick" Kniffen. Brenda's love, kindness, and caring spirit will live on through the many people whose lives she touched. She will be deeply missed and forever remembered by her family and friends. Brenda spent her life loving and caring for others, always putting the needs of her family, friends, and four-legged companions before her own. She had a heart that made room for everyone, and her home was a place where people knew they were loved, welcomed, and cared for. Her laughter, kindness, strength, and unconditional love will forever remain in the hearts of those who were blessed to know her. Though her time with us has come to an end, the love she gave so freely will continue through her children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, George, Mimi, and all those whose lives she touched. Brenda will be loved, missed, and remembered every day. Family and friends are invited to calling hours from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. at Wright-Beard Funeral Home, Inc., 9 Lincoln Ave., Cortland, NY. A service will follow at 1:00 p.m., with Pastor Dave Moses officiating. In lieu of flowers, the family kindly asks that donations be made to Truxton Academy SCA in Brenda's memory. Please write "Brenda Kniffen" on the memo line and mail checks to: Truxton Academy SCA P.O. Box 104 Truxton, NY 13158 To offer condolences online, please visit www.wright-beard.com.