Ethel Knight

Ethel Mae Knight née Clarke passed away at her home in Selah, Washington Tuesday, October 16, 2018 at the age of 92. Born July 10, 1926 in Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan to John Clarke and Phoebe (Pynn) Clarke, Ethel was next to the youngest of six children. Growing up in a musical family, many Christmases were spent gathered around the family piano singing carols. The family moved across the country when Ethel was three, finally settling in Sunnyside where Ethel graduated from high school. She had one daughter, Pamela, from her first marriage. Ethel and Pam continued to live in Sunnyside until 1954 when Ethel met the love of her life, Rev. R. Melford Knight. After their first kiss, Ethel knew they were meant to be married. They married on June 26, 1954 at which time Ethel joined Mel in his ministries in Genesee, Idaho and Ephrata, Washington. Ethel quickly became involved in the church, playing piano and teaching Sunday school, among other things, but also worked at various jobs outside the home. Ethel and family settled in Wapato, Washington where Mel was pastor of Valley Christian Church. Continuing the musical tradition of her family, Ethel could be found behind the piano leading the congregation in worship. She also had a beautiful singing voice and often sang solos or joined the choir. With her job at the bank and many friends, Ethel rarely ran an errand without running into five or six people she knew. After retirement, Ethel and Mel loved to travel, visiting lifelong friends and seeing family as often as possible. A favorite spot was Happy Camp RV Park at Netarts on the Oregon coast. Ethel also cared for her granddaughters whenever needed, sometimes sharing chocolate cake for breakfast. . Ethel is preceded in death by her husband of over 51 years, and by her five siblings. She is survived by daughters Pam Knight of Portland, Oregon, Julie Richardson (Ron) of Yakima, Washington, Roi Lynn Knight of Yakima, Washington, grandchildren Caitlin Lindborg (Justin) and Erin Richardson of Yakima, Washington. A memorial service will be held at 1:00 pm on Friday October 26, 2018 at United Christian Church - 317 South 41st Street, Terrace Heights, Yakima, WA. A luncheon and sharing time will follow at the church. The private graveside service will be held in Canby, Oregon. Valley Hills Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements. Ethel spent the last years of her life with Mara and her family at Tranquility Saints in Selah, Washington. Please consider a donation to Tranquility Saints Adult Family Home at 431 Rainier View Lane, Selah, Washington 98942. Donations in Ethel’s name will be used for residents, especially those who don’t have family. To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of Ethel Knight, please visit our flower store.