Helen B. Mcknight

WASHINGTON?Helen B. McKnight, 88, of Washington, passed away peacefully at 8:15 p.m., Friday, April 4, 2014 at ManorCare at Riverview in East Peoria. Helen was born on January 31, 1926 in Middle Grove, Illinois to Durland and Tennie (Meyer) Lankford. She married Andy C. McKnight on December 8, 1946 in Farmington. Andy died in Peoria on August 14, 2001. Among those surviving are her two step-sons, Jerry McKnight of Peoria and Ken McKnight of Marquette Heights; two nieces, Linda and Andrea as well as many loving friends. Helen was also preceded in death by her parents and two brothers, Edward and Lyle Lankford. She had worked for Caterpillar Morton Parts facility from 1945 to 1990 at retirement she was an administrative secretary. Following retirement from Caterpillar she continued to work as church secretary for Highview Church of God. Helen had been a member of the Caterpillar Employees Club and had served as it?s treasurer. She also was a faithful member of Highview Church of God, where she also had served as historian, Sunday School teacher and active in the church?s mission program. She loved the wildlife and feeding her nature friends. Over the years Helen also enjoyed being an artist and creating her paintings. A service to celebrate Helen?s life will be held on Wednesday, April 9, 2014 at 11 a.m. at Mason-White Funeral Home with Pastor Ed Beasley officiating. Visitation will be from 9 a.m. to 11 at the funeral home prior to services and burial will follow in Swan Lake Cemetery in Peoria. Memorials for Helen may be directed to the Highview Church of God?s Mission Program.