McKnight

Ralph V. McKnight, 76, of Otterson Lane, Butler, died Thursday morning at his home surrounded by his loving family.

Born Aug. 20, 1933, in Butler, he was the son of Donald A. and Pearl A. Garvin McKnight.

He was a member of the St. John's Reformed Church.

Mr. McKnight had a landscaping and excavating business for many years, owned and operated McKnight's Greenhouse, and was a self-employed U.S. Mail contractor for 30 years.

He was a U.S. Army veteran where he served with the 14th Combat Engineer Battalion during the Korean War.

Well-known for his work ethic and sense of humor, he enjoyed family life, his garden, his pets, and his grandchildren.

Mr. McKnight was a member of the ADONIRAM/Henry Renner Lodge 780 F&AM Olean, N.Y.; Butler Chapter and Commandry; the Ancient Accepted Scottish Rite, Valley of New Castle; Lodge Council Chapter Consistory; the Syrian Temple A.A.O.N.M.S. of Pittsburgh; the Syrian Caravan 14 A.A.O.N.M.S.; the Butler Shrine Luncheon Club; the Syrian Temple Motor Corp A.A.O.N.M.S.; and the Mid-Atlantic Association of the Shrine Motor Corps.

He also was a life member of the VFW Post 249, Butler, and a member of the 14th Combat Engineer Battalion Association.He is survived by his wife, Catherine Rauschenberger McKnight, who he was married June 20, 1952; a son, Ronald A. (Robin) McKnight Sr., of Kissimmee, Fla.; two daughters, Cynthia Sue, wife of David F. Hill, and Karen, wife of Thomas L. Fisher, all of Butler; seven grandchildren, Ronnie Jr (Joy), Rebecca (Nate), Brooke, Jeremy, Ellen (Joe), Nathan, and Marlowe; and four great-grandchildren, Hope, Grace, Braden, and Bernie. He also is survived by two brothers, Frederick L. McKnight of Renfrew and James M. McKnight of New Castle; a sister, Mrs. George (Edith) Snyder of Corry; and a number of nieces and nephews.He was preceded in death by his parents, five brothers, three sisters, and a great-grandson, Christian Ronald McKnight.

<B>MCKNIGHT</B> — Visitation for Ralph McKnight, who died Thursday, Dec. 31, 2009, will be from 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 p.m. Sunday at the <B>Edward L. Raisley Funeral Home</B>, 387 Main St., Prospect. The funeral service will be at 11 a.m. Monday at the funeral home with the Rev. Barry Keurulainen of St. Luke's Lutheran Church officiating.The Victory Lodge will hold a Masonic Service at 6:15 p.m. Sunday during the evening visitation.Memorial contributions can be made to the Butler VNA or the Butler VNA Hospice, both at 154 Hindman Road, Butler, PA 16001; or any other local charity of the donor's choice.For more information or to leave an online condolence, visit www.raisleyfuneralhome.com.