Betty Louise Mcknight

Betty Louise McKnight, age 82, of Grants Pass, died Saturday, June 22, 2013 at Ashley Manor.

No services are planned. Hull & Hull Funeral Directors are in charge of arrangements.

Betty was born July 27, 1930 in Oakland, Oregon to Frank & Lucile Fortin Sparks. In 1948 she graduated from Grants Pass High School and then studied at Oregon State University for two years. In Grants Pass on August 12, 1951 she married Raymond (Mick) McKnight. Betty and Mick raised their family in Medford. She worked for Forest Glen Lumber Company in Medford for many decades. She moved back to Grants Pass in early 2011.

Survivors include two sons, Gary and Brian McKnight; a brother, William Sparks; three grandchildren, Stacey Johnson, Stephanie McKnight and Delaney McKnight; and two great-grandchildren, Silas Johnson and Elijah Johnson. Additional surviving family includes Marvin and Micky McKnight, Bob McKnight, Claire McKnight, Sharon Prow and Trisha Bazor.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Raymond McKnight; sister, Bonnie Lobb; and brother, Robert Sparks.

Betty loved family time at the cabin in Galice, which was always her home away from home. Betty was a dedicated Oregon State University sports fan and she shared her enthusiasm with everyone she knew (Go Beavers!). She was always upbeat and positive in her attitude and actions. Betty was exceptionally effective and diligent at entering sweepstakes and contests. Family members were regular recipients of her odd winnings, especially at Christmas. However, Betty and Mick travelled well, on contest winnings, to such destinations as London, twice, including a Michael Jackson concert at Wembley Stadium, an Alaskan cruise, the Atlanta Olympics and the Bahamas. She worked at that hobby, but made it seem like magic.

She was a beloved mother, grandmother and great-grandmother and will be greatly missed.