Ellen McKnight, born February 5, 1930, in Mission, SD, to George and Edith Hoehne, passed away on March 25, 2021. Her family moved to Piedmont in 1934. She grew up and attended grade school in Piedmont. In 1944, her family relocated to Igloo, SD where she graduated from Provo High School. She attended college at Concorida Teachers College in Oak Park. She taught at St. John’s Lutheran School in Sumner, IA.

In 1950, she married Richard (Dick) McKnight. Dick was in the U.S. Navy and stationed in the State of Washington. After his discharge, Ellen and Dick moved to Rapid City where they had their daughters Jari and Cyndi. She began her career at Ellsworth AFB and was very involved with many civic and charitable organizations. Ellen and Dick moved to Sioux Falls, SD, and Fargo, ND, where she continued her career as a staffing specialist for the U.S. Air Force. After relocating to Denver, CO, she retired to her beloved Rapid City and the Black Hills.

Ellen was a member of the Beta Sigma Phi sorority for 55 years and a resident at Village of Skyline Pines since 2017. In 1964, Ellen was elected outstanding chapter President for SD Jaycettes. Ellen loved volunteering at the Chapel In The Hills and did so for 17 years. She also enjoyed a wonderful collection of friends, bridge groups, and her church, South Canyon Lutheran Church. Ellen also had experience with sewing, including making clothing for family and window coverings.

Ellen is survived by Jari McKnight of Reno, NV, Cyndi McKnight (Chip Fontenot), of Charlotte, NC, granddaughters Anne Todd (Andrew), and Christine White (David), both of Charlotte, NC, and great grandchildren, Warren and Mia Todd, her wonderful niece (also known as her “third daughter”), Brenda Simpson, of Rapid City, SD, nephews Rick March, Irone and Robert Evans, and her cherished friend (her “fourth daughter”), Wanda Nelson, of Rapid City, SD.

Ellen is predeceased by her parents, George and Edith Hoehne, and her siblings, Florence March, Wanda Evans, and Gilbert Hoehne. Her funeral will be held at South Canyon Lutheran Church on Tuesday, March 30, at 11:00. Her inurnment will be at the Piedmont Cemetery in a private family gathering. Ellen loved the Black Hills so very much and this will be a wonderful place for her and those who wish to visit her in the future.