Loretha Knight

Loretha Mae Knight went to be with the Lord on June 30, 2025, in Arlington, Texas. A visitation will be 1:00 PM – 2:00 PM Tuesday, July 8, 2025, at Elmwood Funeral Home, 5750 Hwy 277 South. Funeral services will begin immediately following the visitation at 2:00 PM. Entombment will be in Elmwood Memorial Park. 

Born on January 29, 1931, to George and Odella Wrinkle, Loretha lived a life marked by deep faith, tireless dedication, and unconditional love for her family and community. 

She graduated as Salutatorian of Bronte High School’s Class of 1949, where she also served as Treasurer of her senior class. Her love for learning never faded. After raising seven children, she returned to school, graduating Magna Cum Laude from McMurry College in 1971. She was proud to make the Dean’s List every semester. Her pursuit of knowledge continued with a Master’s Degree from Abilene Christian University in 1981.

Loretha’s career in education spanned 23 years. A gifted and passionate teacher, she was instrumental in developing the first ESL curriculum for the Abilene Independent School District, a contribution that earned her an extra year of service recognition. She truly loved teaching and touched the lives of countless children with her compassion and commitment. 

She shared a joyful 29-year marriage with Robert Lee Knight, a wonderful man who supported her and was deeply devoted to her children and grandchildren. Their bond was strong, loving, and enduring. 

A devoted Christian, Loretha lived her faith daily. She served her church faithfully— volunteering with the Altar Guild, singing in the choir, and teaching Sunday school. She was a lifelong student of faith and never missed an opportunity to attend adult education classes. Her mind was like a sponge—always absorbing, always curious. 

She instilled strong values in her children, raising them with love, discipline, and humor. Every chore had its place on the chart stuck to the side of the refrigerator, and every Sunday was reserved for church. Her kindness was unwavering; she never raised her voice or used harsh words—thanks, she liked to joke, to her perfectly obedient children. 

After retirement, she finally fulfilled a lifelong dream: to travel. She visited much of Europe and Mexico, where she especially enjoyed exploring ancient ruins. After Robert's passing, Loretha continued traveling with loved ones, including a memorable trip to New York City with her daughters Sharon and Lorianne—taking in Broadway, street hot dogs, and long walks through Central Park. But it was Wyoming that captured her heart. “That state has everything,” she would say, from the Black Hills to the majestic mountains. Loretha’s last trip was to Washington to visit her beloved son David and his family—time she treasured deeply. 

She continued giving back after retirement through RSVP, a volunteer program in Abilene. There, she found joy singing at nursing homes, often joined by her daughters. Music was a shared love, and those moments brought light to both her and those she sang to. 

Loretha was a constant presence in her grandchildren’s lives, attending football, baseball, basketball, and soccer games with pride and enthusiasm. Loretha Mae Knight lived with grace, gentleness, intelligence, and a deep, abiding love. She was the heart of our family, the teacher of our values, and the melody in our shared song. 

She is preceded in death by her parents; her husband; her sister; and her two brothers. 

She is survived by her children, Sharon Patton and husband Mike of Arlington, TX, Janette Herrell of Georgetown, TX, David Hollon and wife Donna of Port Orchard, WA, Lorianne Chapman of Merkel, TX, Linda Connell of Abilene, TX, Mark Hollon of Sacramento, CA, and Amy McKeever of Abilene, TX; ten grandchildren; ten great grandchildren, and many who were blessed to call her teacher, mentor, and friend. 

She will be dearly missed, but her legacy of kindness, wisdom, and unwavering love will live on in all of us. In lieu of flowers the family asks that donations be made to your local hospice group or the Alzheimer’s Association.