Mary Ellen (Knichel) Straut, 83, of Windsor, beloved wife of the late Charles H. Straut, passed away peacefully on Sunday ( June 7, 2009) at St. Francis Hospital with her family by her side. She was born November 3, 1925 in Wood Ridge , NJ to the late Raymond E. and Mary Ellen (McHugh) Knichel. Mary Ellen had lived in Windsor for over 56 years and was a Communicant of St. Gabriel Church, where she also sang in the Good Shepherd Choir. She was very active in raising fourteen children, creating wonderful holiday traditions, and enjoying any time that her entire extended family could get together. Mary Ellen’s prayer group included her very dear friends and neighbors. She also loved quilting; a love she used to make a quilt for each of her children and grandchildren. She is survived by her children, Paul Straut and his wife Chris of PA; Suzanne Kawa of East Granby; Nathan Straut and his wife Laurie of MA; Daniel Straut of Vernon; Melanie Kincaid and her husband George of NC; Margaret Wilke of Vernon; Marybeth DeGarmo and her husband Bentley of FL; Anthony Straut and Bonnie of CO; Martha Gridley and her husband Jeff of West Suffield; Jonathan Straut and his wife Jane of Amston; Matthew Straut and his wife Kristin of SC; Rachael Straut and Colby of ME; Madeline Straut of Windsor; and a daughter-in-law, Dawn Straut of Windsor; three brothers, Raymond E. Knichel, Jr., James Knichel, John Knichel; three sisters, Pat Lamoreaux, Ruth Greenway, Barbara Pagerie. Mary Ellen leaves thirty grandchildren, eightteen great grandchildren, as well as many nieces and nephews. In addition to her husband and parents she was predeceased by a son, Benjamin Straut, and a brother, Russell Knichel. The family would like to extend special thanks to “the boss,” Dorothea for all that she did for Mary during her stay at Kimberly Hall. The family also would like to thank the St. Francis Hospice group for all their compassion and care during Mary’s last days. A warm and grateful thank you to Dr’s Henderson and Mahtani for their support and constant reassurance.