The Life of JEAN ROWENA KNIGHT
Jean R. Knight, 89, passed away Thursday, June 9, 2011 at Fountain West Care Center in West Des Moines. Funeral services will be held at 10:30 a.m., Wednesday, June 15, 2011 at the First Christian Church with burial at Highland Memory Gardens. Visitation will be one hour prior to the services at the church.
Jean R. Knight was born on July 6, 1921 in Washington, Iowa, the daughter of Charles Leslie and Alta Cora Rebecca (Hampsher) Eyestone. She graduated as co-valedictorian from Brighton High School in 1939 and attended Iowa State University. Jean taught country school and later was a preschool teacher. On June 29, 1940, she married Joseph W. Knight and moved into a new home at 6015 University Avenue, residing there until Joe's passing.
Jean was baptized and became a member of the First Christian Church in 1940, serving as a Sunday school teacher for 49 years. She was a Master Gardener, Botanical Center Volunteer, and, along with her husband, Joe, they built the first Children's Tunnel at the Iowa State Fair in the Children's Garden. She was a volunteer at the Veteran's Hospital for 30 years. She was a member of the Rebecca Lodge Order of the Eastern Star. She enjoyed music and played the organ for many years. In her later years, Jean celebrated life by enjoying many activities offered where she resided. She was a source of inspiration to many.
Jean will be missed by her children, June (Les) Nutter, Paul (Sandy) Knight, Patti (Len) Odegaard; her grandchildren; a sister, Louise Whetstine; and a brother-in-law, Gene Trask. She was preceded in death by her husband of 67 years, Joseph; sisters, Dorothy Elmore, Geneva Zihlman, Evelyn Trask, and Norma Icenbice; and brothers, Clifford and Leslie Dale. Memorial contributions may be made to the First Christian Church.
