Rita J. Knight 1938-2024

NILES — Rita Jean Knight passed away Friday, Feb. 23, 2024, at 12:13 p.m., at Cleveland Clinic Akron General. She was 86 years old.
Rita was born Warren, Feb. 5, 1938, the daughter of the late Curtis E. and Margaret A. Ryan Cluse.
She was a 1956 graduate of Niles McKinley High School. Mrs. Knight was retired from Macali’s Giant Eagle in the deli department.
Earlier in life, she was a member of Trinity Lutheran Church. Rita enjoyed bowling with her husband in couples bowling leagues at Niles Lanes and in a women’s church league. In her spare time, she found enjoyment in sewing, crocheting, and making baked goods for friends and family.
She is survived by her husband of 65 years, William B. Knight Jr. whom she married July 25, 1959; five children, Shelby Hazen of Niles, Beth Blaney of Harrisburg, North Carolina, Kim (John) D’Andrea of Niles, William B. Knight III of Niles and Jeff Knight of Niles; a sister, Janice Bundy of Niles; a brother, Edward (Virginia) Cluse of Niles; five grandchildren, Brianna Knight (Joe Taylor), William Knight IV, Kasey (Logan) Goldinger, George (Maddie) Blaney and Zachary Hazen; and two great-grandchildren, Colton Blaney and Addison Goldinger. Rita was also going to be a great-grandmother for the third time, and just before she passed, Rita was the only person to learn the great-grandchild’s name. She was also survived by numerous nieces and nephews.
In addition to her parents, Rita was preceded in death by a brother, William Cluse.
Memorial contributions can be made in Rita’s name to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, www.stjude.org.
Calling hours will be 5 to 7 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 27, 2024, at Wm Nicholas Funeral Home & Cremation Services, 614 Warren Ave. Niles, OH 44446.
A funeral service will be held at 11 a.m. Wednesday, Feb. 28, 2024, at the funeral home.
Arrangements are entrusted to the Wm Nicholas Funeral Home & Cremation Services 614 Warren Ave. Niles, OH 44446. Friends and family may view the obituary and send condolences by visiting www.NicholasFuneralHome.com.
(special notice)