Jennie Gale Knight Wightman passed away peacefully Wednesday, December 13, 2023 at the age of 76. She was attended to and received touching, heartfelt expressions of love from all of her seven children during her final moments in St. George, Utah.
Jennie was the sixth of ten children born December 26th 1946 in Provo, Utah to Gale Stewart and Richard Knight. As the first baby girl she grew up with the love and protection of her older brothers, Dick, Stan, Boyd, and Paul, and later became the older sister to Laura, Kathy, John, and Dixie. Baby brother, Jesse, passed away shortly after birth. At age 3 her family moved to Mink Creek Idaho where she fell in love with farm life, especially riding their Shetland ponies. She developed a life-long love for and unique connection with animals, in particular, her horses.
After the family moved back to Utah, Jennie attended Evergreen and Olympus Jr. high school and later Olympus High. Jennie graduated from Highland High School class of 1965 and received a Presidential Scholarship from the University of Utah in recognition of her academic achievements in high school. She enrolled at the University of Utah and pursued her interest in French language and literature. She furthered her college academics at BYU creating some of her favorite memories at the University tied to her Knight family legacy.
Jennie was married to Jim Wightman Sept 19, 1968, in the Salt Lake LDS Temple. The young couple welcomed their first child, Jason, in February of 1971. Then started two decades of dedicated support and adventure to her military husband and growing family. Their second child Stephen was born in Nuremberg in December of 1972, and Amie arrived in April of 1975 in Heidelberg. After moving to Raleigh, NC in February of 1977 another little boy, John, joined the family. Their next endeavor took them to Paris, France, where their little girl, Anne, joined the family in February of 1981. The family finally settled in Farmington, UT where two more little boys joined the family, Benjamin in March of 1984, and Nicholas, December of 1985. Jennie and Jim’s adventure and union eventually ended in 1993. They maintained an amicable relationship as responsible, loving parents.
Jennie’s devotion to her children despite facing numerous medical challenges were demonstrated through her sincere and earnest presence. Being a mother was and is her greatest joy. She was always willing to listen, instruct and discipline without overbearance. Jennie’s home was a sanctuary for many people of diverse walks of life. It was filled with her love for music, art, sports, lots of laughs and the gospel. She exemplified Christlike living by giving all that she had without judgment, guile or restraint. Her contributions to her community and friends were a powerful example of her faith in service to Christ.
Jennie’s uniquely warm, caring, and loving personality has charmed the lives of her family and friends. Her love and guidance have enhanced the lives of her seven children and created a bond of love, concern, and protection among them that is passing down to her 18 grandchildren. In the face of diminishing physical health, Jennie blessed all that she knew with her continued faith and endurance. She was uniquely kind, gentle and loving. She was cheerful and positive amidst the trials that she confronted. Her sense of humor, wit and contagious laugh were qualities that endeared her to all. Through her we learned unconditional love for others and what is truly important. A grand reunion and warm reception assuredly await her.
She is survived by Jason(Bobinski) and Ella Wightman and their children, Audrey, Zachary, Rhianna, Liam and Luka. Stephen(Teetee) Wightman and his children Lauren, Isaac and Brayden. Amie(Wuds) and David Dunkley and their children Jakob, Anne, Mathew, and Kate. John(The J) and Krisann Wightman and their child Domanic. Anne(Ba-the) and Jared Peay and their children Burk, Meggie, and Sawyer. Ben(Rable-deech) and Evelyn Wightman and their children Ethan and Noah. Nick(Oh-You) and Bree Wightman and their children Jillian and Seth. Her older brothers Dick and Boyd Knight, her younger sisters Laura Ulrich, Kathy Tadje and Dixie Schiffman.
She will be received by her siblings Stan, Paul, Jesse and John Knight as well as her parents Richard and Gale.
Funeral services will be Friday December 22nd at 10am at 1533 N 1075 W, Farmington, UT 84025. Interment will take place at the Logan cemetery after the services from 2:30 to 3:30 p.m.
Friday, December 22, 2023
10:00 - 11:00 am (Mountain time)
The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints
Friday, December 22, 2023
Starts at 2:30 pm (Mountain time)
Logan Cemetery
Visits: 808
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