Betty McKnight
(July 23, 1929 - July 9, 2009)

Betty L. McKnight, 79 of Columbia, MO went to be with the Lord on July 9, 2009. Services will be held at 11 am, Saturday, July 11, 2009 at Parker Funeral Service. Visitation will be from 10 to 11 am Saturday at the funeral home. Private graveside services will be in Mount Lebanon Cemetery in St. Ann, MO.

Mrs. McKnight was born July 23, 1929 to Charles Edmond and Eva Leona (Hoffman) Alexander in Springfield, MO. She was married to George C. Barnes who preceded her in death in 1965. She married R. Ward McKnight on December 15, 1969 who survives at home. Mrs. McKnight was a beautician for 17 years and proprietor of Summit Drive Beauty Salon. She was a member of the New Bloomfield Chapter #138 Order of the Eastern Star. Betty and her family were long-time owners and promoters of the Walking Horse industry.   Mrs. McKnight is survived by her husband, R. Ward McKnight; sisters, Mrs. C.W. Sims of St. Charles and Mrs. Floyd Rosenkoetter of St. Charles; her children, Gail Bise and husband Frank of Holts Summit, Alan Barnes and wife Valerie of Columbia, Tina Chambers and husband Russell of Columbia, Tony McKnight and wife Jacque of Hallsville, Tim McKnight and wife Leanne of Columbia; seven grandchildren and four great-grandchildren. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by a brother, Carl E. Alexander of St. Charles.

Mrs. McKnight will best be remembered for her strong will for life and the love and pride she had for her family. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be given to the American Heart Association. 

Parker Funeral Home, Columbia, MO.