Velleda G. Knox

Velleda G. Knox, 86, of Concord Twp. passed away December 9, 2015 at her home. She was born January 11, 1929 in New York, New York. Velleda studied in New York City at the School of Performing Arts and Ballet Arts at Carnegie Hall. After relocating to Northeast Ohio, she began her own ballet studio, first in Willoughby-on-the-Lake above the old fire station and then at the Mentor-on-the Lake fire station. In addition to her classes, she began a new tradition of presenting full-length storybook ballets such as “Peter Pan” and “Snow White” instead of the usual ballet recitals. She was soon invited to teach at the Willoughby Fine Arts Association, moved with them from their original building on Spaulding Street in downtown Willoughby to their current location on the grounds of the Andrews Osborne Academy. Mrs. Knox taught at the Willoughby Fine Arts for many years, delighting in seeing some of her students go on to careers in professional ballet companies as well as eventually seeing the children of former students coming to her for instruction. Velleda was also an accomplished actress, appearing at community theaters across N.E. Ohio from Beck Center in Lakewood, Greenbriar in Parma Heights where she won a Best Supporting Actress award, Chagrin Valley Little Theater, and the historic Rabbit Run Theater in Madison, Ohio. Most recently, she reprised her role as Madam Arcati in Blithe Spirit at the Ashtabula Arts Center. Mrs. Knox was a member of Playhouse Square’s prestigious Hermit Club, where she also performed. A true Renaissance woman, she was a collector of many things from LLadro figurines to Waterford Crystal to the toys she loved. More significantly, she was also a private pilot and an animal lover and advocate, raising many orphaned baby animals and returning them to the wild. Survivors are her children Ellen Knox Dare (Jim Dare, Ron Walsh) and William J. Knox (Richard England); daughter in law Cris A. Knox; grandchildren Jay A. Knox (Leslie) and Zak Knox; great grandchildren Carter, Grace, Rory and Avery; her brother Gregory Goldberg (Terry Gold) as well as many nieces, nephews, and cousins, and her devoted dog Sixpence and cat Sasha. She was preceded in death by her husband William W. Knox; sons Thomas L. and Richard R. Knox and her brother Lowell Goldberg. Funeral service will be held 11 a.m. Friday at Old South Church, 9802 Chillicothe Rd., Kirtland. The family will receive friends from 3-8 p.m. Thursday at the Brunner Sanden Deitrick Funeral Home & Cremation Center, 8466 Mentor Ave., Mentor. Interment will be at Mentor Cemetery. As Velleda would wish please send flowers for display at her services and / or contribute to the Nature Conservancy, the National Audubon Society or other animal charities. Send flowers and offer condolences at www.brunners.com

Velleda G. Knox

January 11, 1929 - December 9, 2015