Janet R. McKnight Obituary - Visitation & Funeral Information

Janet Ruth Hurley McKnight, 86, passed peacefully on April 16, 2014 in Dayton, Ohio after a long, courageous battle with cancer. Janet was born, the second of five girls, on Winchester Road in Greene County, Ohio. She was preceded in death by her parents, Alton B. and E. Marie Hurley, her first husband, Edward Brown, and her husband of 35 years, Jesse McKnight; an infant son (Mathew), and sisters, Barbara Jean Hurley (John) Jusek, Helen Joyce Hurley (Carl) Cain, and Margaret Jane Hurley (Layton) Merwin. She is survived by sister, Martha Joanne Hurley, Upper Arlington, Ohio; son Jeffrey Lynn (Barbara) Brown, Wilmington, Ohio; daughter Jennifer L. (Garrison) Holland, Xenia, Ohio; grandchildren Angela (Jason) Ralstin, Andrea Diviak, Gina (Jason Philips) Stone; and Geoffrey L. Brown, great-grandchildren Timothy and Anthony Payton, Zane Blaisdell; Noah Stone, Andrea & Malachi Philips, Cierra Diviak, and great-great granddaughter, Elliana Mae Diviak; dear friend Bob Archer, Canada and Lake Wales, Florida; and first cousin Virginia Wical Breakfield, Lucasville, Ohio, plus many nieces, nephews, and cousins. A graduate of Xenia High School in 1945, Janet also attended Ohio State University and University of Dayton. A bright, inquisitive mind, Janet gave unselfishly to family, friends, and neighbors. A perennial student, avid bridge player, card and game participant, she was also a champion shuffleboard competitor. She enjoyed baseball, horse races, tennis, golf and NASCAR races. She also attended faithfully her beloved great-grandson Zane's Little League games. Widowed in early 2009, Janet resided in Corwin, Ohio, just outside of Waynesville, and in winter at Saddlebag Lake, Lake Wales, Florida. A committed and dedicated individual, Janet worked as an executive secretary, office administrator and trainer, and was an enthusiastic transporter of developmentally disabled children, one year making each child a hooked rug for Christmas. After retiring she operated an office service from home until she became too busy with family, friends, and community. She and Jesse volunteered for a period of time at Caesar’s Creek Pioneer Village. Besides Janet's skill in games and cards, Janet was an avid reader, gardener, and homemaker, taking piano lessons until shortly before passing. Skilled on the computer, she kept in touch with family and friends, never missing birthday greetings to ALL family members and friends scattered from Sweetwater, Texas to Middletown, Connecticut, with one great grandson in Afghanistan. She attended monthly luncheons with Xenia High classmates, as well as Xenia High class reunions. A memorial service will be held Tuesday, April 22nd, 11:30 am at Stubbs Conner Funeral Home in Waynesville with internment (at a later date) of ashes at New Burlington Cemetery, a short distance from her birthplace and early childhood. Please make donations to Hospice of Dayton in lieu of flowers. Condolences at www.stubbsconner.com.

Janet R. McKnight

September 5, 1927 - April 16, 2014