Deborah Ann McKnight

Deborah Ann McKnight, beloved daughter of Gertie Jean and William Arthur Wood was called home after a courageous battle from heart surgery and unexpected complications, at the age of 69 on March 9, 2024. She was surrounded by loved ones at the time of her passing.

Debbie was born on September 29, 1954 in Detroit, Michigan. She attended Mt. Clemens High School and moved to Utah in 1976. She worked at Tooele Army Depot where she met the love of her life and best friend, Larry McKnight. They were married on May 23, 1986 and lived in West Valley City. In addition to Tooele Army Depot, Debbie worked at the Federal Highway Administration where she retired in 2016. Although she lived the majority of her life in Utah, she was always a “Detroit” girl in her heart.

Debbie loved to travel and explored many exciting locations around the world. Her favorite travel companion was her son Denny. Together they had many adventures and she especially loved tropical locations. She loved music and was a fan of all genres, although Motown always held a special place for her. She was also a wonderful cook and enjoyed preparing and sharing family meals. Sunday dinners were a regular occurrence and everyone was welcome to come and enjoy great food and many laughs.

Debbie loved and adored her family and especially treasured all of her grandchildren, whom she was affectionately known as Grammy. She was always quick to lend a helping hand in service, not only to family members and friends, but strangers on the street.

Debbie was preceded in death by her husband, Larry McKnight. She is survived by her children Crystal (Daren) Hymas, Denny (Reni) Stever, Kevin Stever, and Christopher McKnight; grandchildren Serina, Kade, Dylan, Dalton, Zoie, Lila, Lea, Tanya; great granddaughter Faeya; siblings Diane (Dave) Willenberg, Jim Wood.  She was preceded in death by her parents and sister Donna (Tim) Watters.

A viewing to celebrate Debbie’s life will be held on Thursday, March 14 from 6-8pm at Memorial Redwood Mortuary (6500 South Redwood Road, West Jordan, Utah). Funeral services will be held on Friday, March 15 at 11am at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (4634 W Harman Dr, West Valley City, Utah). A viewing will be held prior to the services from 10-10:45am. Interment to follow at the Memorial Redwood Cemetery (6500 South Redwood Road, West Jordan, Utah).