Lou Ella Maxwell Knight

On December 7, 2024, our beloved “Old Fat Granny” passed peacefully from this life into the next and was reunited with her husband after being apart for more than 36 years. Lou Ella Maxwell Knight was born August 11, 1924, in Cedar City, Utah, to Charles Bennett and Josephine Anderson Maxwell. She was the youngest of nine children. 

One of our favorite stories from her childhood was when she and her niece, Bernice, didn't want to go to church one Sunday. They were told they could stay home if they did the dishes. They were so busy playing when they suddenly realized the family would be coming home soon. Bernice came up with a great idea! They gathered the dishes up and put them in a tablecloth, broke the dishes, and put them in the garbage! Years later, during a conversation with her sister, Iola, whose dishes were discarded, Mom confessed what they had done. Iola told her she often wondered why she seemed to be short on dinner dishes, but never really realized they were missing!

When Lou was 19, she moved to California with her sister Vondell and got a job at the Alameda Naval Air Station. One day, William Boyd Knight came walking through the blueprint warehouse, where she was working. Her first thought was ‘he is the tallest man I’ve ever seen.’ They were married a year later on October 28, 1944, in Alameda California. 

Due to Bill’s work as an IronWorker, they were able to travel, and live, in countless cities around the country. Together they have 7 children.

Lou, who was lovingly known as Granny to everyone, celebrated her 100th birthday this past August. 

Granny loved her family and was so very proud of each of her children and grandchildren and found joy in celebrating all of their milestones. 

She could be found telling stories of her childhood, and with a fantastic memory, she also enjoyed sharing songs and poems that she learned throughout her years. She was patient in teaching grandchildren (including great & great-great grandchildren) how to crochet, make bread, play a game of Solitaire, or spend time putting puzzles together. She loved reading and especially loved to read to her children and all her grandchildren. 

She loved camping! When she wasn’t camping, she enjoyed traveling with her family, having traveled coast to coast. She spent time with her son, David, in England and Spain.

She never denied a child a lap to sit on and you could find a grandchild on her lap even when we were all bigger and taller than she was. 

Every Christmas morning, Granny’s house was full of family enjoying homemade biscuits and gravy. A long-time tradition started by her and Grandpa many years ago.

Lou was an active member of Daughters of the Utah Pioneers, Archibald Gardner Chapter, and held many leadership positions in that organization. She was extremely proud of her Pioneer Heritage. Her great-grandfather was in the Mormon Battalion. 

Lou was a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, spending countless hours serving as an Ordnance worker in the Jordan River Temple, as well as going as a patron. 

She held many positions in the church, including 45 years serving in the Primary. She especially loved serving in the Cub Scouts. She leaves behind a strong testimony of the love of her Savior, Jesus Christ, and Heavenly Father.

Lou Volunteered at Heartland Elementary as a Grandma volunteer in Mrs. Bagley’s 2nd grade class, helping with math and reading.

Lou is survived by her children Ray Knight (Pok Chu), Betty Heskett, Judy Gaston (Jon), David Knight, Edie Moulton (Joe), John Knight (Kristi), and Richard Knight; and a brother, Ron Maxwell. She has 22 Grandchildren, 55 Great-grandchildren, and 25 Great-Great Grandchildren. Also, many nieces and nephews, and friends.

She is preceded in death by her husband William Boyd, her parents Charles and Josephine, and siblings: Iola Bay, Louis Maxwell, Theresa Peterson, Fay Slack, Lloyd Maxwell, Vondell George, Art Maxwell, and Iris Matheson.

A viewing will be held Thursday, December 12, from 6-8 pm, at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Callie Building. It is located at 7150 S Callie Drive, West Jordan, UT. Her funeral will be held on Friday, December 13 at 10:00 am, with a viewing before the service, from 9:00 to 9:45 am., at the same location.

We want to thank all who loved our Mother and Grandmother. You were such a delight in her life. She loved you back! She will be missed by all who knew her.

Till we meet again!!