Dusty Dawn Knuckles , 53, of Columbia City, passed away at 11:28 a.m. on Monday, February 23, 2026, at Parkview Whitley Hospital, Columbia City.

Born on July 25, 1972, at Parkview Hospital, Fort Wayne, she was the daughter of Leo Knuckles and Mona L. Gibson.  Raised by her step-father, Ronald Hyser, and her mother, she grew up in New Haven, where she graduated from New Haven High School in 1990 and was a Cheerleader for the New Haven Bulldogs.  With her outgoing personality, she inspired celebration and lifted the spirits of those around her.

She resided in Columbia City for the last 24 years, alongside her long-term partner, Craig L. Studebaker.  In addition to raising two children, she worked for Heritage Parts in Fort Wayne for 10 years in their payroll department.  She then worked for Reelcraft in Columbia City for five years. Dusty enjoyed gardening, taking care to tend both the flowers and vegetables in her garden.

She enjoyed swimming and is remembered for her fondness and consideration of those she cared for, from her grandchild, Sophia, to her favorite dog, Jake.

Dusty is survived by her companion, Craig L. Studebaker, her two children, Marissa Pequignot and Dylan Studebaker, both of Columbia City; her grandchild, Sophia Maria Escobar; her mother, Mona L. Gibson; and her aunts, Judy Tucker, Annetta Roemer, and Brenda Oliver.

She is preceded in death by her father, Leo Knuckles; her step-father, Ronald Hyser; a brother, John Knuckles; and an aunt, Carla Knuckles.

Visitation is 12:30 p.m. to 2:30 p.m. Monday (March 2nd) at Smith & Son's Funeral Home in Columbia City with a Graveside Service to follow at Greenhill Cemetery, Columbia City.