Elizabeth (Bower) Knight

Elizabeth Jo “Betty” (Bower) Knight passed away peacefully on Sunday, August 31, 2025, after a brief but fierce battle with what was most likely Lewy Body dementia.

“The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.” — Psalm 34:18

Born in September 1946 in Auburn, New York, to Ralph and Lorraine Bower, Betty spent her early childhood in Ithaca. After the untimely death of her father when she was just seven, Lorraine moved with Betty and her younger brother, Larry, to Westchester, Illinois, to be closer to family. A gifted artist, Betty graduated from Proviso West High School and went on to study at the Art Institute of Chicago.

Betty spent many years as a window decorator for Sears, Roebuck and Company. For those who grew up in Chicago, the elaborate holiday displays in the store windows were legendary—many of them brought to life by Betty’s imagination and artistry.

In 1970, Betty met the love of her life, Chip, at a pub called Some Other Place (SOP’s). She introduced herself to the good-looking, dark-haired guy at the bar who, by his own admission, was “drinking beer and running his mouth” when they first met. The two married the following April at the Oak Park Arms in Oak Park, Illinois, and in 1973 welcomed their beloved daughter, Aimee.

They settled in Forest Park, Illinois, where Betty and Chip became active members of St. John’s Lutheran Church and deeply involved in Aimee’s schools. Betty was a devoted room mother and PTA member, and later began driving buses for the school district. She especially cherished driving her “blue suburban” for students with disabilities, ensuring they arrived safely at school each day.

In 1989, the family moved to Phoenix, Arizona, to be closer to Betty’s brother Larry, his wife Janice, and their children, Lauren, Ben, and Zack. There, Betty put her bus-driving skills to work at America West Airlines, first as a shuttle driver and later as an administrator in crew scheduling. She later transitioned to a career in Human Resources at Avnet, where she worked for a decade.

Betty’s greatest joy arrived in 1995 with the birth of her grandson, Austin. Through Austin’s preschool, she became the Church and School Administrator at Family of Christ Lutheran Church, where “Miss Betty” warmly welcomed hundreds of children and families until her retirement in 2020. Known for her kindness and care, Miss Betty not only kept things running but also offered comfort, encouragement, and friendship to all who crossed her path.

Outside of work, Betty’s artistry flourished in quilting. From her early days at the “quilting bee” at St. John’s in Forest Park to her retirement years, she poured love into every piece. Whether creating baby quilts, T-shirt quilts, or simply quilts inspired by fabrics she loved, Betty’s work brought comfort and beauty to many.

Her retirement years were filled with time alongside Chip, quilting projects, monthly lunches with her Family of Christ friends, and visits with her longtime confidant Natalie. She delighted in every moment spent with her family, especially her grandson Austin and her cherished great-granddaughter, Emory. The bond between Grandma and Emmy was unshakable, and nothing brought Betty greater joy than seeing Emmy’s face light up when she spotted her grandma.

Betty was the embodiment of kindness, compassion, and faith. Her home and her heart were always open—whether to share a meal, lend a listening ear, or offer a much-needed hug. She was, in every way, the best daughter, wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and friend anyone could hope to have.

Though our hearts are heavy, we rejoice in knowing Betty’s life was anchored in her love for Jesus Christ. We can only imagine the warm embrace that welcomed her into Heaven and the joyful reunion with loved ones who went before her. We hold fast to the promise that we will be reunited with her again one day.

Betty was preceded in death by her father, Ralph; her mother, Lorraine; her sister-in-law Deanna, and her brother, Larry, who passed away just one year ago on September 11, 2024.

She is survived by her devoted husband of 54 years, Chip; her beloved daughter, Aimee, and son-in-law, Danny; her treasured grandson, Austin, his wife, Chaya, and their daughter, Emory. She also lovingly embraced her “bonus grandchildren,” Ana and Zachary, and took great joy in Ana’s son, Tucker.

Betty is also survived by her sister-in-law, Janice Bower; her niece, Lauren; her nephews, Ben and Zach; and their families. She is also lovingly remembered by her Minnesota family on Chip’s side.

The family also wishes to express their deepest gratitude to the Fogel family, whose enduring friendship and tender care — especially during Betty’s final weeks — were a true blessing and a source of comfort.

Betty will be remembered with deep affection by all who called her “Mom,” most especially the “Christmas Crew”—her family and the beloved friends who became family, bound forever by the love she so generously gave.

Guided by her faith and defined by her love, Betty leaves behind a legacy of compassion and joy. Though she is no longer with us, the light of her spirit continues to shine through the lives she so deeply touched, echoing the words of 2 Timothy 4:7: “I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.”

A celebration of Betty’s life will be held at a later date, with details to be shared by the family. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Betty’s memory to Paraclete — Chaplain Services supporting Phoenix Law Enforcement and their families. Donations can be made online at ParacleteAZ.com.