Avonne Evelyn (Knauss) Frankenfield, 91, of Emmaus, died July 2, 2022 at Country Meadows, Bethlehem. She was the wife of the late Ralph Frankenfield for 66 years until his death in 2021 during COVID-19. She was a daughter of the late Viola (Heil) and Samuel P. Knauss, of Emmaus.

She was a descendant of the Knauss family who co-founded Emmaus as a Moravian community in 1759. She was an active member of Emmaus Moravian Church, teaching Sunday school, serving as a King’s Daughter for over 60 years, delivering altar flowers and joining in where needed.

After graduating from Emmaus High School she worked as a dental hygienist for Dr. Klerx during the day and in the evenings sang with The Variety Kids, Neil Klein’s Orchestra and the Walt Beers Band at venues throughout the Lehigh Valley. In 1997 she retired as a bookkeeper from Allen Ear, Nose and Throat in Allentown.

After retirement, she became a regular at Rodale’s senior aerobics class and was featured in an exercise video.

She remained devoted to her Class of 1948 of Emmaus High School, serving as a class officer well into her 80s.

She always brought a positive, sunny, enthusiastic spirit to every situation. It was only natural that she became a cheerleader at Emmaus High School.

She was a member of the Emmaus Historical Society.

She is survived by a daughter, Jane (Riddick) Weber, of Bethlehem; a son, Guy (Lynn Briskie), of Cedar Hill, Texas; grandchildren, Guy F. (Gabby), of Land O’Lakes, Fla., Brooke (Justin) Kintz, of Arlington, Va., Katelyn (Matt) Forero, of Westlake Village, Calif., Sarah Burcaw, of Bethlehem, Rebecca Burcaw, of Philadelphia; great-granddaughters, Gianna, Gillian, Vivienne, Piper; brothers, James, of Orlando, Fla., Keith, of Palm Springs, Calif. She was predeceased by brothers, Samuel Jr., Bruce, Richard, Jack and Lee.

Contributions may be made to a charity of your choice.

A memorial service honoring both Avonne and Ralph will be held Oct. 15 at Emmaus Moravian Church, 146 Main St., Emmaus. Arrangements were made by the Schantz Funeral Home, P.C., Emmaus.