Eva Mae Knight

Oct 5, 2015 | Obituaries, Obituaries 2015 | 5 comments

Eva Mae Day was born on December 12, 1919 in Alliance, Ohio, to Roger Charles Day and Olevia Borton Day. She grew up in Alliance, with her dear, lifelong friend Kay Brill. Eva graduated from Alliance High School and then attended Mount Union College in Alliance. She worked for several years as a dental assistant. While on a vacation cruise on the Great Lakes in 1942, Eva met and fell in love with her future husband Randall E. Knight.
Eva and Randy were married on December 5, 1944 at “Old” St. Mary’s Church in San Francisco. Eva lived in San Francisco while Randy served in the Navy. After the war was over, Eva and Randy moved to Kansas City, then to Prairie Village, where Eva lived until moving to Villa St Francis in Olathe in 2013.
Eva and Randy have six children, Dan (Susan), Tim (Donna), Randy III (Susan), Kevin (Cathy), Susan, and Jim (Becky). They have ten grandchildren, Christine Stutesman, Eric Knight, Kristopher Knight, Emily Gill, Jeffrey Knight, Amina Hood, Kira Harkins, Molly Knight, Jamie Knight Mounce, and Nicole Knight. There are eleven great-grandchildren, Evan, Mikayla and Stephanie Stutesman, Alyssa and Devereaux Knight, Alexis Knight, Sam and Anna Gill, and Rex, Hannah and Lucy Hood. Eva has one niece, Maureen Day Graybill.
Eva is preceded in death by her parents, her husband Randall E. Knight, Jr. and her brother Forrest R. Day.
During their fifty three year marriage, Eva and Randy were very active members of St Ann Catholic Church. Eva spent many years volunteering at St Ann Elementary in the library, as a Cub Scout Den Mother and as Outdoor Chairman for the Girl Scouts. She especially enjoyed being a “Picture Lady” and sharing her love and knowledge of art with the students. Eva made life-long friends through these activities.
Both Eva and Randy spent many hours supporting their children in competitive swimming at Milburn Country Club. Eva was a member of the Garden Club and also volunteered in the herb garden at the Wornall House. Eva’s favorite hobby was her needlepoint work. Her family and friends have many beautiful keepsakes from the hours she spent on her needlepoint.
Eva and Randy entertained their many friends often, hosting their Bridge Club, Super Bowl and Kentucky Derby parties. There was always room for one more seat at the dinner table for the friends of their children. Eva’s warmth and kindness made everyone feel welcome. There were always homemade cookies in her home!
The Funeral Mass to celebrate Eva’s life and accomplishments will be at St Ann Catholic Church at 7231 Mission Road in Prairie Village on Saturday October 10th at 10:00 am. A visitation and reception will follow in the Parish Hall. Internment will follow at Resurrection Cemetery in Lenexa.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to Catholic Community Hospice, 9740 West 87th Street, Overland Park, Kansas 66212. Assistance by Funeral Advocates, LLC

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Bill Watkins

8 years ago

I have many fond memories of visiting the Knight household growing up, and I don’t know if I have ever found a home that was more warm and welcoming. I attribute that to Eve who was always there with a big smile whenever a group of rowdy young guys would show up to hang out, play poker, or just to scheme our next nefarious undertaking. Eve leaves a fantastic legacy through her children and all their many friends who won’t ever forget her and the comfort, love and generosity that she gave so freely to all of us.

Gretchen Koehler

8 years ago

My thoughts and prayers are with you Sue and your family. Bill Watts is right. Your family was so wonderful and I have many fond memories of your mom.

Tom Thornhill

8 years ago

What a pair your parents made. Randy always the gentleman and professional. He was quick to call when the right house came along and certainly was a factor in my decision to join J.C.Nichols Residential now 21 years ago. Your mother was the consummate lady whom I was honored to assist in selling their Paddock Court townhome some years ago.

Stephen H. King

7 years ago

A remarkable, lovely lady. Eve was sincere and consistent in offering love and friendship. Shayla and I are attending a memorial for her brother on October 10 in Chicago. Otherwise, nothing would keep us from being present with the family at church to honor Eve.

Nancy Samuels Renfro

7 years ago

Dear Sue and family,
It has been since grade school that I have been in contact with you. However, I consider the St. Ann’s friends to be life long friends no matter how much time passes. The team of mothers we had raising us was phenomenal. Your mom was one of them. As the days go by, may the tears you shed today turn to loving memories of your mom forever.

Kind Words

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