Last surviving child of Knott's founder dies
by
Tom Bell
Nov 19, 2014
Marion Knott, the last surviving child of Knott's Berry Farm founders Walter and Cordelia Knott, passed away in her sleep last Thursday at age 92.
Marion Knott was the youngest daughter and became very active in the theme park, eventually becoming the director of design, planning and entertainment.
According to son Darrel Anderson, it was Marion Knott's idea to put gates around the park in 1968 and start charging admission.
She also visited other parks around the world to find roller coasters to add to the growing theme park, including Montezooma's Revenge, which is still part of Fiesta Village, the park's second themed area.
The family sold Knott's Berry Farm to Cedar Fair in 1997 and Marion Knott stayed away from the theme park for more than 20 years, but in 2009 she returned for the 75th anniversary of the Chicken Dinner Restaurant that started it all and seemed pleased with what Cedar Fair had done.
Marion Knott was also involved philanthropy, and did much to support the Chapman University's Dodge College of Film and Media Arts, which now features the Marion Knott Studios.
Marion Knott is survived by her husband, Anthony Montapert; son, Darrel Anderson; daughter Diane; four grandchildren; and three great-grandchildren. Funeral services will be private.
