On April 29,, 2023, Kathy Rae (Williams) Knight, 79, of Sonora, took her final road trip to be with her Lord and Savior. She was welcomed with open arms by the love of her life, Rodney. Kathy was always ready to be in the back seat of the next adventure. Rod and Kathy enjoyed trips to the river, the coast and to Coushatta during Mardi Gras with Archie & Genie Crenwelge and Connie & Frank Renfro. After Rodney’s passing, Kathy continued “road tripping” with her daughter Betsy to “The Poo” and Winstar.
Mom was always ready to see a baseball game at Angelo State or a football game in Poteet, and often asked about the players by name. Her kids took her on trips to Florida, New York, Michigan, and all over Texas. Kathy was always packed and ready for the next trip, sometimes days in advance. Gramaw was extremely proud of teaching her kids and grandkids to bake. They won numerous awards at the San Angelo Stockshow and Rodeo.
Gramaw was extremely proud of all her grandchildren and their accomplishments. She always welcomed the “extras” that came home with her kids or grandkids and treated them like family. Kathy always enjoyed when the kids came home, the kitchen table was cleaned off and “that Damn” card game ensued. Christmastime brought kids, grandkids, and extras home to decorate freshly baked sugar cookies. Bowls of icing, sprinkles galore and tons of laughs were shared annually by kids, grandkids and all the extras that stopped by as the competition to decorate the best cookie for Santa.
Kathy was born in South Gate, California – the oldest of five children. In 1962, she graduated from Pleasanton High School, where she was the head cheerleader her senior year. Rodney and Kathy moved to Sonora in 1972 when Rod accepted the assignment as the Game Warden for Sutton County. Kathy worked for Ronnie Cox at Westerman’s Drug Store before she began her lengthy employment at the Lillian Hudspeth Memorial Hospital. After many years of dedicated service, Kathy retired as the Assistant Administrator. She was a vital part in keeping the hospital going during her employment. Upon retiring, she began her own business, “Kathy’s Jewelry & Gifts”. Many weekends were spent at local craft shows selling homemade jewelry and meeting new friends.
Kathy was preceded in death by her husband of 46 years and the love of her life, Rodney Knight; her parents, Kenneth, and Wanda Geesee; brother Jerry Williams; and sister Phyllis Geesee.
Those left to treasure her memory are her son, Joe Shannon and Tammy; her daughter, Debbie Norment and Darold; her daughter, Betsy Knight; daughter, Edie Knight; son Lonnie Knight and Honey.
Gramaw was loved by her eighteen grandchildren - Ryan & Samantha Shannon, Matt Shannon, Kaycie Shannon, Hunter Norment, Michelle Norment, Kristen Norment, Bryce Smith, Kodee Smith, Adriana Villalobos, Emery Dunn, Sara Dunn, Madison & Chris Wilkins, Garrett Knight, Drew & Kelsie Riley, Taushlyn Riley and Aaron Sefcik.
She was cherished by her seven great grandchildren, her sister Nancy Jones and husband Roger, brother Richard Geesee and wife Donna, brother-in-law Kurtney Knight and wife Fran, numerous nieces, nephews, and countless individuals she loved and thought of as family.
Visitation was held at Love Funeral Home in Sonora, TX on Wednesday, May 3, 2023. Family will be present from 5 pm to 8 pm. Services will be held Thursday, May 4th at 11 am at the Sonora Cemetery Pavilion in Sonora, TX, burial to follow.
The family would like to thank the community of Sutton County for their support during this time. They would also like to thank Dr. Charles Pajestka for his years of friendship, care and support, Dr. Will Griffin and staff, Sutton County EMS, Sutton County Sheriff’s Department, Lillian Hudspeth Memorial Hospital staff, and the Alvis Johnson Hospice staff. A special thank you to Adriana Villalobos for her love and care for mom over the last few months.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to Sutton County Health Foundation or the charity of your choice.
Online condolences can be made at lovefuneralhome.net
