Greta Lee Wright McKnight was born on May 16, 1937, in Moreland, Idaho, to Acil Milton and Truly Vella Kofoed Wright. Greta was the youngest of three girls and enjoyed her childhood and lifelong friendships with her sisters, Shirley Vella and Gloria Kay. She graduated from Blackfoot High School in 1955, then went on to marry her sweetheart, Harrison McKnight Jr., on October 17, 1958, in the Idaho Falls Temple. In April of 1960, they moved to Troutdale, Oregon, and in the years to come, they were blessed with three wonderful children: LeAnn, Kurt, and KayLynn.
Greta worked side by side with her husband throughout their married life, engaging in various aspects of operating multiple businesses centered around agriculture. One of Greta’s favorite business adventures was McKnight’s Ever Fresh Fruit Market, which opened in 1976 in Troutdale, Oregon, later to be known as Ever Fresh Fruit Company in Boring, Oregon.
When not working, Greta enjoyed traveling with regular visits to their home on Molokai, Hawaii, reading, enjoying many Coca-Cola breaks, and, most of all, spending time with her much-loved family, friends, and dog, Cassie. She remained an active member of the Tickle Creek Ward in Sandy, Oregon, where she continued her lifelong service as a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Greta served faithfully in many capacities for the church, including much devoted time at both the Seattle and Portland Temples. She also spent countless hours volunteering for her children’s and grandchildren’s schools, as well as many years of service at Father Damien's leper colony in Kalaupapa, Molokai, Hawaii.
Greta passed away peacefully on October 12, 2024, at the age of 87 at her home in Boring, Oregon. She was preceded in death by her husband, Mac, her parents, and her two sisters. Greta is survived by her three children: LeAnn Miller (Bill), Kurt H. McKnight (Stephanie), and KayLynn Ramberg (Clay); ten grandchildren: Christopher (Kathleen), Brandi (Tyson), Jeremy (Kelsey), Jordan (Brady), Brady (Ann), Savannah (Alex), Kaden, Harrison, Hallie, and Chase (Beth); and ten great-grandchildren: Joshua, Brooklyn, Christlynn, Kylie, Jace, Porter, Blakely, Wells, Lennon, and Tatum, along with her beloved Schnoodle, Cassie, and many other loved friends and family members.
Greta’s beautiful life will be celebrated on October 26 at 12:00 PM, with a viewing at 11:00 AM, at the Tickle Creek Ward of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, located at 16317 Southeast Bluff Road, Sandy, Oregon. If you are unable to attend, the service can be watched online at the following link: https://zoom.us/j/96471800198?pwd=QCAk350zpRNbKUsRgDCibbdOKqpweV.1
Greta’s family is full of gratitude for the compassionate care provided to her by Providence Hospice, as well as the other caregivers who offered love and support. Donations in Greta’s memory would be greatly appreciated to Providence Hospice via the Providence Portland Medical Foundation, 4805 NE Glisan Street, Portland, OR 97213