Reubelene "Dean" Knight

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Services for Reubelene “Dean” Knight, 94, of Gainesville, are set for Tuesday, November 7, 2023.  A visitation will start at 9:00 AM with a funeral beginning at 10:00 AM.  Burial will follow in Valley View Cemetery.

Dean passed away November 4, 2023 in Muenster.  She was born January 8, 1929 to Reuben and Eileen (nee Cullen) Wilson.  She was the 3rd child of 6 siblings, consisting of Margaret, Billy Joe, Mary, Sue, Doc (Earl), and Janie.  Her younger sister Mary may have been the most influential, because as a child, she could not pronounce “Reubelene,” and therefore called her big sister “Dean”.  The moniker stuck.

Mrs. Knight was raised in Valley View and gifted with a wonderfully-loving family who have remained close throughout their lives.  Her surviving siblings are Janie Lewis of Callisburg, and Sue Rodrique of Schriever, LA.

Dean attended Valley View public schools and was valedictorian of her high school class of 1946, which earned her a one-year complimentary subscription to Reader’s Digest!  She was thereafter a lifelong subscriber.  Growing up, she worked on the family farm and during her high school years, she worked at Miller’s Drugstore in Valley View.  She married Van Knight, Sr. of Era on November 5, 1947.  They farmed until Van became employed with Montgomery Ward Co.  In a 26-year career with Ward’s, they resided in several communities including:  Helena, AR, Shawnee, OK, Gainesville, Childress, Temple, Lubbock, and finally Durant, OK.  They purchased a farm there and Durant quickly became their forever home.  In addition to farming and raising cattle, they became successful real estate brokers, opening Knight Real Estate in the 1970’s.  They bought and sold many properties, along with developing a 640-acre single-family subdivision in Durant.  Most importantly, they were friends with countless folks in Durant and the Southern Oklahoma area and cherished those relationships dearly.

Mrs. Knight enjoyed reading, playing cards, and dominoes.  She was a wizard domino player, who showed little mercy to her opponents.  Additionally, she was an extraordinary cook.  She loved cooking for the holidays or for any family gathering.  Her pies, cakes, cookies, cinnamon rolls, and many more dishes, equal and gourmet cook.  Probably everyone’s favorite was her homemade peanut patties.  She always made extra batches for everyone to take home.

Dean and Van’s union resulted in the birth of three sons:  William Daniel (Danny), Van Jr., and Joe Rex.  All were blessed by their parents’ good humor, love, and wisdom.

Mrs. Knight was preceded in death by her husband Van in 1997 and an infant child in 1969.

Dean is survived by her three sons and daughters-in-law Dana, Betty, and Katy.  She has 10 grandchildren, William, Matthew, Amber, Kyle, Miles, Meagan, Shelby, Parker, Colby, and Vanessa.  She is also survived by seven great-grandchildren:  Daniel, Nolan, Vivian, Josephine, Eamonn, Cullen, Aurelia, Rex, Holden, and numerous nieces, nephews, and other extended family.  Her grandsons will serve as pallbearers.

The family suggests that in lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to a favorite charity.

Please place flower orders directly through a local florist.

https://www.geojcarroll.com/florists