Berniece Irene Knotts

Berniece Irene Knotts, 83, of Salina, Kansas, passed away on Saturday, March 14, 2026.

Berniece was born on January 6, 1943, in Salina, Kansas, to Helen (Henry) and Robert Reeves. She grew up in Gypsum, Kansas, and graduated from Gypsum High School. After high school, she graduated from Brown Mackie College and was a lifelong resident of Saline County.

Berniece proudly served in the United States Army Reserves for 21 years and retired from Tony's Pizza in the Human Resources Department. She was a master gardener with a special love for lilies and was a member of the Daylily Society.

In her free time, she treasured time spent at her lake house in Kanopolis, which brought her much joy and peace. She also enjoyed watching the Kansas City Chiefs, the NBA, and was a devoted Oklahoma City Thunder fan.

Her grandchildren were her pride and joy, and she cherished every moment spent with them. Halloween was especially meaningful to her and her family; even when she was unable to hand out candy herself, she made sure everyone else was recruited to help continue the tradition on Highland Avenue.

Survivors include her two sons, Douglas Mortimer (Joy) and Vaughn Mortimer (Ellen); and her daughter, Lynn Mortimer. She is also survived by her grandchildren, Chad Mortimer (Audrey), Austin Mortimer, Holly Mortimer, Matthew Mortimer, Haley Mortimer (Ciara), Hannah Mortimer, Stefan Coble, and Logan Coble; great-grandchildren, Branch, Spencer, Grace, and Jacob; and nieces and nephews, Crystal, Bobby, and Mason Reeves.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Helen and Robert Reeves; and her siblings, John Reeves, Doris Davidson, and Jacqie Coleman.

Berniece’s wishes were to be cremated.

The family requests memorial donations be made to the VFW, in care of Carlson-Geisendorf Funeral Home.

Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.carlsonfh.net or through the funeral home’s Facebook page.

A visitation will be held from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. on Friday, March 27, 2026, at Carlson-Geisendorf Funeral Home.