McKnight

Erma Jean McKnight, 72, of Grove City, Pine Township, passed away at her residence on Friday, May 26, 2023.

She was born in Grove City on Dec. 6, 1950, the daughter of Herman R. and Amy (McConnell) Thompson. She grew up in Possum Hollow, Cherry Township, Butler County.

Erma graduated from Moniteau High School in 1968. She worked at Orchard Manor for 41 years. In her years there, she worked as a nurse's aide, then assisted in transportation and also with physical therapy. Erma enjoyed being an aide to the activities director at Sunshine Way.

Erma married her soldier boy, Robert Willard (Willy) McKnight, on Oct. 1, 1968, in Branchton Methodist Church. They enjoyed traveling and visiting family and friends. Erma spent her younger years with her brother, Jim — swimming in the creek at Kiester, running around Coaltown with family and friends, going to Timko’s for ice cream, going skating on Friday and Saturday nights in Slippery Rock and making pizza at Mary’s house. She had fond memories of riding the train to Conneaut Lake Park. When the train rides stopped, the family get-togethers at Conneaut continued. She enjoyed cooking, baking and hosting family dinners. Erma and Will were well known for their huge yearly Easter egg hunts and bunny giveaways. She also loved swinging on the front porch while visiting family and friends. There were many stories shared along with much love and laughter. Erma took many road trips with her dear and close friend, Janet. They were driving buddies, always on the go. They enjoyed shopping, trying new restaurants, decorating and finding treasures for Janet’s antiques shop.

Erma Jean is survived by her husband, Willy; son, James (Ruth) of Grove City; granddaughter, Aly of Florida; great-granddaughter, Raelynn of Florida; sister, Mary Redmond Wilson of Harrisville; brother, James Thompson of Grove City; and many nieces and nephews.

She is preceded in death by two sisters, Elizabeth (Betty) Herold and Eleanor Thompson; and a number of brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law, Clarence Herold, Virgil Redmond, Bill Wilson, Diane Thompson and Ed and Dixie McKnight.

MCKNIGHT — There will be a celebration of life held at a later date for Erma Jean McKnight, who died Friday, May 26, 2023.

Arrangements are by SMITH FUNERAL HOME, 421 New Castle St., Slippery Rock, PA 16057.

Please sign the guest book at www.butlereagle.com.