Rita Jean Knight

Rita Jean Knight of Niles passed away on Friday, February 23, 2024, at 12:13 p.m. in Cleveland Clinic Akron General Hospital. She was 86 years old.

Rita was born in Warren on February 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 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; 5 children, Shelby Hazen of Niles, Beth Blaney of Harrisburg, NC, 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; 5 grandchildren, Brianna Knight (Joe Taylor), William Knight IV, Kasey (Logan) Goldinger, George (Maddie) Blaney, and Zachary (Molly Sell) Hazen; 2 great grandchildren, Colton Blaney and Addison Goldinger; Rita was also going to be a great grandmother for 3 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.

Friends and family may view the obituary and send condolences by visiting www.NicholasFuneralHome.com.

Calling hours will be on Tuesday, February 27, 2024, from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. in the Wm Nicholas Funeral Home & Cremation Services 614 Warren Ave. Niles, OH 44446

A funeral service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Wednesday, February 28, 2024, in the funeral home.

Arrangements are entrusted to the Wm Nicholas Funeral Home & Cremation Services 614 Warren Ave. Niles, OH 44446.