Gladys Mae "Billie" Knight, born July 4, 1918, passed away peacefully at her daughter's home on July 12, 2007, surrounded by her family. (Thanks for the rainbow, Mom.) She was born Gladys Mae Southard in Willard, Ohio the daughter of Ruth Melinda (Chapman) and Jesse Paul Southard on July 4, 1918. She married Erwin Colonel Knight on January 6, 1937 in Toledo, Ohio and he preceded her in death on August 31, 2005 and was also preceded in death by her parents, a sister Marian Hinckley and treasured friends Chuck and Betty Hendrickson. She spent the first 53 years of her life in and around Norwalk, Ohio, and moved to Newaygo in 1971. She was a excellent homemaker, worked as a bookkeeper and pharmacy tech. She enjoyed her grandchildren and great grandchildren.

She leaves to celebrate her life her daughter Ruth Chase of Newaygo, grandchildren Robyn Chase & Kim Trgina of Grand Rapids, Russell Chase & Fiancé Alma Noris of Phoenix, AZ, Roger Chase II, her great-grandchildren Sean, Josh & Tiffany Chase all of Newaygo and special friend George Rowell.

Burial will be in Olena, Ohio, with graveside services at 11:00 AM, Saturday, July 21, 2007. Family and friends will gather at the Olena Community Hall after the service. A Memorial Service will be held at her daughter's home in Newaygo on August 9, 2007 from 4:00 - 8:00 PM. There will be no visitation. For Memorials please consider the Newaygo First Responders C/O Fremont Area Community Foundation. Please sign the online guest book at