Cleo N. Knight passed away peacefully on December 21, 2019 with family by her side. She was born May 13, 1924 in Seattle, Washington. Due to hard times during the depression years, she and several of her siblings were adopted out. In July 1924, at 7 weeks old, she was adopted by Rev. S.S. Johnson and his wife, Edith B. (Hilty) Johnson. Soon after, the family moved to Pennsylvania to be close to family.
In 1945 she met and married the love of her life, Kenneth D. Knight and they married after a six week courtship. Upon his discharge from the Army, a job offer brought them back to Washington where they lived their entire married life. Over the years she worked for several local businesses to include Ben Franklin, JC Penney and the Rainbow Café. She also enjoyed volunteering at the Auburn Hospital. Upon retirement they began to travel and loved spending winters in Yuma, Arizona.
In 1988 Cleo found her natural siblings, most of who lived in the Washington-Oregon area. They reunited and enjoyed getting to know each other.
Cleo was known for her friendly, outgoing personality. There were no strangers in her world, always smiling and showing gratitude to those who cared for her over the past several years. Her gentle spirit and kind heart will surely be missed.
Cleo has now joined Ken, her husband of 67 years along with her parents, siblings, son-in-law Al Austin and a great-grandson in heaven. She is survived by her daughter Elaine Austin of Surprise, Arizona, daughter Yvonne (Fred) Coffey of Yuma, Arizona, daughter Debbie Lamb of Auburn and daughter Pam Knight of Seattle. She leaves behind 8 grandchildren, 10 great-grandchildren and 7 great-great-grandchildren.
The family would like to express their love and gratitude to the many caregivers at Angel Haven Estates who so lovingly cared for her during the past several years. A memorial will be held at Tahoma National Cemetery at a later date.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Franciscan Health Care Hospice, 2901 Bridgeport Way W, University Place, Washington 98466. Please visit her online memorial at www.price-heltonfuneralhome.com
