Anna “Ann” Lou Knoop Obituary

Anna “Ann” Lou Knoop Obituary – January 26, 1937-January 14, 2026

Anna “Ann” Lou Knoop, 88 of Fletcher, Ohio passed away on Wednesday, January 14, 2026, in her home surrounded by her family.

She was born on January 26, 1937, in Columbus, Ohio to Ralph and Bernice (Fielder) Prince.

After graduating from high school, Ann attended The Ohio State University. She was deeply involved in 4-H, a passion that shaped much of her early life. She was crowned the first Champaign County 4-H Queen and later named Ohio Holstein Queen in 1958.

Ann had a deep love for nature and animals, especially her beloved cat, Lady.

She is survived by her loving husband of 65 years, Hugh Knoop; her daughter, Dede Knoop; her sons, Jeff (Kathy) Knoop, Alan (Rhonda) Knoop, and Scott (Glee) Knoop; ten grandchildren, Jamie (Jennifer) Knoop, Josh (Erica) Knoop, Kyle (Whitney) Knoop, Jake (Cassidy) Knoop, Jarret Knoop, Brandon Knoop, Whitney (Chris) Calland, Taylor Knoop and Adam Roberts, and Derrick and Logan Smuzok; 18 great-grandchildren; and one great-great-grandchild.

Ann was preceded in death by her parents, as well as her mother and father-in-law, John and Velda (Staley) Knoop.

A gathering of family and friends will be held from 11:00 A.M. to 1:00 P.M. on Tuesday, January 20, 2026, in SUBER, SHIVELY & VERNON Funeral Home, Fletcher, Ohio.

Funeral service will immediately follow at 1:00 P.M in the funeral home with Pastor Tina Fox officiating.

Burial will follow in Cedar Point Cemetery, Pasco, Ohio

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to either the Fletcher Fire Department (6605 OH-589, Fletcher, OH, United States, 45326) or Ohio’s Hospice (3230 N. County Rd. 25A, Troy, OH 45373)

Condolences may be expressed to the family at http://www.vernonfh.com.

Cover of the Year

It’s time to VOTE!!! for your favorite cover of the year before January 18!

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NHWSO Scholarship

2026 NHWSO Application

The 2026 NHWSO application consists of 6 parts as follows: (1) signed personal/contact information form, (2) official college transcript, (3) resume, (4) personal opinion essay, (5) your personal “ad”, and (6) head shot photograph for publicity purposes. All six parts must be included with the application for consideration. All parts of the application must be emailed. Electronic signatures are acceptable for emailed applications.

Please return application by February 20, 2026 (emailed) to: 2024NHWSOscholarships@gmail.com
Questions? Contact Kate Geppert, Exec Secretary ● Phone: 573-808-5607 ● Email: ksgeppert@gmail.com

2026 Judges Conference – Registration

Registration for the 2026 Judges Conference is NOW OPEN!

The conference is designed to sharpen participants’ judging skills, deepen their understanding of Holstein cattle evaluation, and promote consistency in the show ring.

What to expect:

Classroom session led by experienced judges

Linear evaluation discussion

Practice placing classes & giving reasons

The Holstein Association USA Judges Conference aims to establish a trusted network of qualified judges for shows of all sizes. To remain on the National or Approved Judges List, judges must participate in a judges conference and submit a judges list application every five years.

Click the link below for details and register today!

www.holsteinusa.com/shows/judges_conference.html

Ohio Holstein Queen Contest

Ohio Holstein crowns their queen for the year at the convention and annual meeting and we are searching for this years’ candidates and court! The Ohio Holstein Queen represents the Ohio Holstein Association at Spring Dairy Expo and Ohio State Fair, along with many District Shows. They do promotion for the breed and the dairy industry and we are so grateful to have them as our spokes women!

Apply before February 14 for the 2026 contest, we are excited to see you in February.

Ohio-Holstein-Queen-Application-2026

Queen Contest Rules

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OHA Convention and Annual Meeting

Annual Meeting Schedule (download to include with payment)

The 105th Convention and Annual Meeting of the Ohio Holstein Association will be held February 27-28 in Salem, OH, hosted by District 2.

Great farms to tour and visit with fellow Holstein breeders at, a fun sale on Friday night with Junior activities planned as well! Saturday is the Annual Meeting and the awards luncheon, followed by a fun auction that raises money and sends convention attendees off with a smile!

JOIN THE OHIO HOLSTEIN ASSOCIATION IN FEBUARY!

November / December OHN Issue

The November / December issue of the Ohio Holstein News has been delivered (finally – Holidays, am I right?!)

read the feature on Weaverhof Holsteins in Fredricksburg, Ohio.
Finish up on your District show placings for 2025 to see who the winners were.
See how Meagan Hemfling juggles farm life and personal life in her 2-Week-Peek
Make plans to attend the Ohio Holstein Convention and Annual Meeting at the end of February – check out the schedule of events and farm tours!
AND MORE!!

2 Holstein USA Internship Opportunities Applications DUE January 15, 2026

Holstein Association USA and the Holstein Foundation are excited to announce two hands-on, paid summer internship opportunities for students. These internships provide unique, professional experiences at the National Holstein Convention, offering participants the chance to build their skills and gain industry exposure. The deadline to apply for either internship is January 15, 2026. Complete details and application information can be found at www.holsteinusa.com, under Our Association in the main menu, then Employment Opportunities.

“These internships offer students a unique opportunity to gain practical experience in both communications and youth development within the dairy industry,” said Lindsey Worden, Holstein Association USA CEO. “We are excited to provide students with the chance to play a role in our biggest member event of the year, while working alongside and learning from our experienced team.”

Holstein Foundation Youth Programs Intern

The Holstein Foundation Intern will assist with youth contest development and coordination for the 2026 National Holstein Convention in Orlando, Florida, with a focus on the Dairy Bowl and Dairy Jeopardy competitions. This six-week internship runs from May 26 to July 2, 2026, and includes pre-event planning, on-site execution, and post-event wrap-up.

This internship will offer competitive hourly pay based on experience, with housing provided in Brattleboro, Vermont for the weeks leading up to the Convention, as well as all transportation, lodging, and meals associated with attending the National Holstein Convention.

National Holstein Convention Communications Intern

The National Holstein Convention Intern will assist the Holstein Association USA communications team with event coverage and content creation for the 2026 National Holstein Convention in Orlando, Florida. This fast-paced, two-week internship runs from June 19 to July 2, 2026, and offers hands-on experience in photography, social media management, writing, and public relations.

This internship will offer competitive hourly pay based on experience, as well as all transportation, lodging, and meals associated with attending the National Holstein Convention.