Mary Elizabeth Hardway, known to all as Molly Knox, beloved mother, grandmother, aunt, and friend to all who knew her, passed into heaven on November 2, 2021, at age 88, after and due to a Covid related illness. Molly had successfully battled 5 cancers during her lifetime. Molly was a miracle, never complained, and always looked for the best in everything. Each and every day with her was a blessing. Heaven was awaiting her with loved ones to greet, her mother Alma leading the way.
Molly was preceded in death by her sister Patsy Hardway, father Frank Hardway, mother Alma Hardway, brother Mike Hardway, nephew Stephen Hardway and husband Leonard Knox. She is survived by her son Michael Knox and wife Christy; daughter Susan Elkin and granddaughter Sarah Elkin; daughters Teri Knox and Patti Knox; nieces Debbie Hardway, Cindy Maldonado, and Kimberly Decker; cousin Gail Farmer and daughter Joy; and Frances Sullivan who she loved as a daughter in recent years.
Molly was born in Maxwell, New Mexico on June 2, 1933, to Frank and Alma Hardway and lived at their family farm and ranch all of her life, except for a brief stay in Oklahoma. She graduated from Maxwell High School and went on to graduate from UNM with a teaching and music degree. Molly taught school in Maxwell, New Mexico. She retired from teaching to raise her family but continued to substitute teach in the area until the 1980s. She was the local piano player at many events in the Maxell Schools throughout her years.
Molly married Leonard Knox and they had four children, Michael, Susan, Teri, and Patti, and granddaughter Sarah.
Molly was involved in the Vermejo 4-H club throughout her children’s youth, attending the Colfax County and New Mexico State Fairs every year with all of them. She had a large vegetable garden every year and sewed up a storm, including Halloween costumes and ball gowns. She devoted many years to 4-H and her children and granddaughter were her life. Molly was the best wife, mother, and grandmother anyone could ask for.
Molly, like her mother before her, was the matriarch of her family keeping photos and records. Molly’s family on her mother Alma (Rinker) Hardway’s side came to this country by way of Seneca, NM, settling in Maxwell. Having been notified that she was a Daughter of the American Revolution in 1976, her family on her father Frank Hardway’s side of the family found their descendants to be from the Mayflower. Her cousin from Pueblo later joined the Mayflower Society. Molly was extremely patriotic throughout her life and she shared her love of America with her children.
Molly was the eldest member of the Maxwell Methodist Church and was the church pianist up until her passing.
Molly loved music, sewing, art, flowers, and taking care of her many beloved pets, mainly Lucy her favorite cat. She loved sports and the Utah Jazz was her basketball team. She loved to watch each and every Olympic Games. Molly’s flower bouquets from her garden were the talk of church years ago. Due to the wonderful rain this year, she was able to mow her yard three times on the tractor lawnmower, watched the tomatoes and garden grow while hanging clothes on the line, and loved every minute of it. She was a fantastic cook and baker, handing down many family recipes, including her homemade Christmas tree cakes.
Molly’s family would like to express their deepest thanks and gratitude to Dr. Zmily, Dr. Lopez, Dr. Condor, the nurses and ER doctors at the MCMC and the clinic, Dr. Chan, Jana Floersheim for being the best oncology nurse ever, the Maxwell United Methodist Church and all of our friends reaching out in this difficult time.
A celebration of life service for Molly Knox will be held on Saturday, November 20 at 11 am at the United Methodist Church in Maxwell, NM with Reverend Ellen Swain officiating and Pastor Jay assisting. A Zoom address for those not able to attend in person will be made available.
