Loretta M. Knight

Loretta M. Knight was born on November 15, 1918, in Minot, ND, to Victor and Mabel (Gull) Swanson. She graduated Minot High School in 1936 and Minot State University in 1969. She was employed in retail sales including F.W. Woolworth and Montgomery Ward’s in both Minot and Williston. She also was employed at the City Auditors Office in Williston, and then moved to Bismarck for employment with the Public Welfare Board, Aging Services. After 14 years, Loretta retired in Bismarck.

Loretta married Le Roy Knight on May 19, 1940, in Minot, ND. Together they had two children, Jerome and Joann.

Loretta was a member of the United Methodist Church in Minot, Williston, and then McCabe United Methodist in Bismarck. She served on various councils and committees. Her special interest was with Open Door Community Center, Tuesday workshop. She also worked extensively with the development of the Silver Haired Assembly and was a member of Westerners.

Loretta is survived by her son, Jerome “Jerry” Knight, Aliso Viejo, CA; her daughter, Joann Brender, Lake Forest, WA; her grandchildren, Shelene Heller, Steven Heller, Scott (Melissa) Heller and their children, Melanie and Justin, Ronda (Alex) Dexter and their children, Tyler and Carson, Dena Brender and Lance (Nicole) Knight and their child, Braden; several nieces and nephews including special nieces, Patricia Parr and Jean Laskowski and her children, Kathy, Karin, Leann and Lorna.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Le Roy Knight; her parents, Victor and Mabel Swanson; and her sisters, Thelma Vassar, Frances Grant, and Geneva Pedersen.