Dorothy “Dot” McKnight

Resided in Gladstone, MI
Died September 20, 2017

Dorothy “Dot” (Ross) McKnight 74, of Gladstone, MI peacefully passed away September 20, 2017 at home surrounded by her loving family.
Dorothy was not born a “Yooper”, she was born in New York City, New York. As the daughter of a career soldier her family traveled to Europe when she was a child and settled in Lawton, Oklahoma when she was a young adult. There she met the love of her life, James McKnight, a soldier himself. With the permission of the US Army and her father they were married November 11, 1960, ninety days after their first date (blind date). She became an indoctrinated Yooper when they moved to the Upper Peninsula after Jim’s military commitment was complete, where she resided the remainder of her life.
Her generous and gentle nature of always putting others before herself endeared her to everyone she met. She was everyone’s friend, always a good sounding board without judgement. She was there when you needed her. It was these traits that made her so successful at the Delta Reporter as the editor and then at the Daily Press where she became editor of the Life Styles section. This is where she found her true calling: interviewing young or old; capturing the essence of their life and the impacts they had on the community and the world.
She also loved her church and serving in whatever capacity was needed She especially loved Christian education, teaching young and old in Sunday School, Youth group, Junior church, leading bible schools and teaching at the local and conference Bible school programs. She was an outstanding cook, an accomplished award winning writer, and also won awards for doll making, crocheting, knitting, sewing, embroidery and canning.
After retiring, she found joy in researching her family’s genealogy, tracing them back to Europe and their point of embarkation. The love of God, church, family and board games were her other passions.
Left to mourn the loss of his loving and devoted wife is her husband of 56 years; James “Jim” McKnight. To their union, they were blessed with four attentive children. Lorraine of Kalamazoo, MI; Gerald (LeVette) of O’Fallon, IL; Daniel (Amy) of Madison, WI; and Elaine of Gladstone, MI. She had five grandchildren Elijah (Triana) Riley Jr., Bethany (Andrew) Kamau, Haley McKnight, Donovan McKnight and James McKnight. She also had four great grandchildren Malachi, Elijah III and Simone Riley, and Eliana Kamau. Dot also leaves to mourn her loss a surviving sibling, her sister Linda (LeRoy) Holmes of Vancouver, WA and a host of extended family and friends whom she loved.

Her presence is gone; but her memories are life lessons and will be missed by all

A visitation will be held Monday, September 25, at Skradski Funeral Home, Gladstone for family and friends to gather from 3 to 5. A service to celebrate Dorothy’s life will follow the viewing from 5 to 6. There will be a luncheon held at the Gladstone American Legion following the service.

28 Tributes for “Dorothy “Dot” McKnight”

    I am so sorry to read of Dorothy’s passing! I worked with her at the Daily Press for many years and found her frankness refreshing and sense of humor stress-relieving during hectic days. I have only fond memories of her concern for her readers and the subjects of her articles. May you find comfort in similar memories at this sad time.

    Sorry for your loss, Dorothy was a wonderful lady. She will be deeply missed by all. Spread your wings Dorothy and head home to all your loved ones!!

    Aunt Dorothy will truly be missed,I spent a lot of fun times at their house growing up. My favorite memories are going to Church camp every year with her. I was so proud to tell everyone that the Lady taking pictures for the Daily Press was my Aunt! Prayers are sent to everyone!

    Dorothy will be missed by all she knew. She touched so many lives and always had a smile on her face. If you needed help, she helped you anyway she could. Always had time for you and a shoulder if you needed one. Dorothy was an awesome woman and will be greatly missed.

    So sorry Jim and family for your loss. She was a wonderful and very nice lady to know and to work with.

    Love you , Aunt Dorothy!
    You touched the lives of many. Your legacy will live on forever. You and MA are together again. Yuck it up sweet ladies! (heart)

    Dear Uncle Jim, and Cousins,
    Our sincere condolence in the loss of your loved one. No matter where you are she is with you. This is not a good-bye, but a see-you-later. God bless each of you during this time of sorrow.
    Love and Hugs,
    -John & Jan, and Family (heart)

    I was blessed to get to know this family when I went to the Methodist church through the Davis family. Such a wonderful loving family, my heart hurts and I’m lifting you all up in prayer. Love Jenny (Gilbert) Schwark

    My thought and prayers are with you all. Dorothy was a wonderful woman, she will be greatly missed.

    Our condolences to Jim and his family. Dorothy was an icon in the newspaper business in Gladstone and Escanaba. I always enjoyed reading whatever she wrote. I especially loved her interviews at the local elementary schools. Rest in peace, Dorothy.

    You will be so missed Momsie. Your big heart and smile went far and wide to everyone who knew you. I was blessed to have known you and am a better person because of your love. God gained an angel when he took you home.
    To Jim and their kiddos, I am deeply sorry for your loss. Know that y’all are in my thoughts and prayeres. I love you all the way to Jesus and back.

    I got to know Dorothy through my career as a teacher. She interviewed my students several times through the years and my students had the honor of being featured as the Thanksgiving cooks in Kindergarten one year. I didn’t know her well, but she was a kind and carrying individual, bringing out the best in everyone she interviewed, and she had such a special way with children. Dorothy was a consummate professional, and Escanaba has lost a great treasure! My deepest sympathy to her family, she will be greatly missed by all who knew her.

    Elaine, Jim, family, Iam so incredibly sorry for your loss. There are no words that I or anyone can say to lessen the heartbreak I’m sure you all feel. I will keep you all in my thoughts and prayers through this difficult time. (((Hugs)))

    You and Jim accepted us when we moved to Gladstone. You forgave us for being so “green” in the ministry. We had wonderful times, and I will keep much of it quiet. Thank you for sharing your daughter with us. Dorothy was our encourager. We loved working with her. She was so talented. So thankful Jim found her, and brought her to the U.P It has been a better place ever since that time.

    I met Dot at church. She was so sweet to me. She had a wonderful singing voice. My mother, Mary Arp spoke highly of her. Sending prayers to the family.
    God Bless.
    Mary Anna Costanza

    I’m so very sorry for your loss Jim (and family). I remember her as a kind, gracious, and vibrant lady.

    I just want to say you could not find a better lady anywhere she was always there when you neede her she had a beautiful soul that was a light for all who knew her and that she will be sadly miss by all may she rest in the arms of the Lord foreverand ever

    We are deeply saddened by the loss of your loved one. The family has our deepest and sincere sympathy. I am so happy that we had the pleasure of meeting this lovely lady. God bless and prayers for the family.

    My heart goes out to you, Jim & your family. Dorothy was such a nice person. I will miss her. My prayers are with you.

    So sorry for your loss. Dorothy was a very special lady who walked side by side with Christ. Just think…now she can see Him face to face. How great for her.

    Jim, I am so sorry for your loss. Sending love, prayerful, healing hugs to you & yours!
    A word of comfort….there is NO death, only a change of worlds! Sending healing energies to Dot in her transition! She will always be with you…..
    Love & prayerful hugs,
    Betsy Gasperich…

    God bless to her family and im so sorry for your loss. She used to have some crafting visits with my grandma blanche Alexander years back. I remember speaking to her about it and they enjoyed each others company. Dorothy was a very nice lady. My condolences to all during this sad time.

    I just read that Dorothy had passed. She loved her Lord, her family and her church. “Blessed in the sight of the Lord are the deaths of his saints.” Dr Wayne A Rhodes

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