Margaret McKnight

is honored with a Large Paver from Mr. and Mrs. Jim Albright, Dr. and Mrs. John Albright, Mr. and Mrs. E.B. Bickley, John Bickley, Mr. and Mrs. Jon Callen, R.K. Edmiston, Dr. and Mrs. Herbert M. Lindsley, Mr. and Mrs. Tom Lindsley, Mr. and Mrs. Michael Massey, Dr. and Mrs. Phil McKnight, Mr. and Mrs. Rob McKnight, Susan V. McKnight, Mr. and Mrs. Walt Rising, Barbara B. Segraves, Mr. and Mrs. Steven C. Woods, and Mr. and Mrs. Dick Yetke.

It didn't happen by design. Six families moved to the 200 block on North Terrace in Wichita, KS during the 1940s and early 1950s. What started as "new neighbors" became six women and their families who developed lifelong friendships. The sixteen children grew up in a loving, nurturing, and secure extended family. The relationship grew close enough that we had six mothers and fathers whom we affectionately called "aunt and uncle." They were always there to support each others family... during the many fun times, as well as the times of pain and sorrow. Collectively, our memories of those years are countless and vivid. We honor our six mothers as heroines who were such a significant part of our lives as children and as adults. These six heroines... Mary Albright, Jane Bickley, Kathlien Edmiston, Barbara Lindsley, Margaret McKnight, and Arline Rising... taught us, through their lives and friendship, the true meaning of caring and love.

Born in Walton, Kansas... just north of Wichita between Newton and Peabody... Margaret was the oldest of five children of Dr. Robert C. and Beulah G. McClymonds.

Growing up as the daughter of the small town doctor offered plenty of opportunities... both as a student, and later as a grown woman. While being able to enjoy life to its fullest, Margaret also understood the need to "serve" as well as to "finish what you start."

Margaret graduated from high school at age 17 and attended Washburn University. She graduated in 1931 (and later attended her 50th class reunion). With a background in "Home Economics," Margaret taught school in both Walton and Burton (Kansas). In the late 1930s, Margaret was one of the first home economists hired to work for Kansas Gas and Electric. Her primary job was to teach "new brides" how to cook on their new electric ranges.

During this time, Margaret met Phil McKnight, and they were married on September 16, 1939. They lived in Topeka, Kansas where Phil was a director with the Kansas Highway Department. When World War II broke out, Phil enlisted in the United States Marines (serving in the South Pacific) and Margaret returned to Walton until the war was over.

The McKnight's first "real" home was in the 200 block of North Terrace Drive. They moved in with son Philip, who was born in 1941, in October of 1946. Their second son, Rob, was born the next year; daughter Susan was born in 1949.

With Phil named Director of Advertising for Beech Aircraft Corporation, and later, Vice-President of Corporate Relations, Margaret became active in their church (Grace Presbyterian), her sorority (Alpha Phi), various PTA organizations (A.A. Hyde, Robinson and East High), and various community projects (the first Book Fair).

Following Phil's death in 1966, Margaret concentrated her attention on her children and their activities. In the early 1970's she was enticed out of "retirement" and worked for the State of Kansas as a School Food Service Representative. She used her travel time to visit friends throughout the state. By the time of her second retirement, Margaret had a growing number of grandchildren... son Phil and Melinda's kids: Laura, Philip III and Caroline... and son Rob and Caroline's daughters: Margaret (Milly) and Elizabeth (Betsy).

Margaret McKnight is remembered for her expertise in the kitchen, her joy in collecting and reading cookbooks, her love of travel and cheap candy, her ability to create a sense of "neighborhood" wherever she was, and the legacy she has passed on to her children and grandchildren.

Submitted by her children Phil McKnight, Rob McKnight, and Susan McKnight. (See also Mary Albright, Jane Bickley, Kathlien Edmiston, Barbara Lindsley, and Arline Rising.)

September 12, 1998