Monte Sue Knight

Monte Knight October 22, 1946 – April 3, 2026 Monte Knight passed away on April 3, 2026. After several difficult years marked by multiple illnesses, her body finally grew tired. Even so, Monte never lost her faith in God, which carried her through life and remained steady until the end. She was a long time and devoted member of the First United Methodist Church in Huntsville. Monte was born on October 22, 1946, in Pasadena, Texas, to Harrel and Gatsy Leonard, who preceded her in death. She attended Deer Park High School, graduating in 1964, where she lived fully—she was a twirler, part of the drill team, and played basketball. Her team went to state, and she never forgot it. While working at TDCJ ID, Monte met Bob Knight. They married in 1976 and shared 42 years of marriage before Bob’s passing in 2019. Their life together wasn’t always easy, but it was rooted in love, loyalty, and commitment. Monte is survived by her daughters, Tracy (Dave) Elgersma and Jaime (Brian) Vandelist; her grandchildren, Connor and Morgan Elgersma, who brought her great joy; her sister, Wanette (Jimmy) Meekins; and many nieces and nephews who loved her dearly. Monte knew hard work. While raising her oldest daughter as a single mother, she worked three jobs—days as a secretary at Brown & Root in Houston, nights and Saturdays waitressing at Clark’s Diner in New Waverly, and Sunday mornings caring for children in the nursery at First United Methodist Church in Huntsville. She later earned an associate’s degree from Sam Houston State University, majoring in English, a decision that benefitted her daughters for years, whether they appreciated their grammar being corrected at the time or not. She spent 31 years at TDCJ ID before retiring in 2000, working in the Classifications Division and managing multi-million dollar budgets. There, she built deep friendships that lasted a lifetime and took great pride in the work she did. To know Monte was to laugh with her. She had a contagious laugh, a beautiful smile, and a wonderful sharp sense of humor. She was an excellent cook and baker—with one legendary exception: the Thanksgiving when the angel biscuits didn’t rise, giving the family “hockey pucks.” They still tasted good, though, and became part of family lore. She was a lifelong Sonic fan and ordered the same thing every time: a Route 44 Diet Coke with lime, just so there’s no confusion. She was endlessly talented and creative - crocheting, painting, sewing, and quilting. She made countless items for those she loved, including multiple prom dresses for her daughters. Monte was a long-time member of the Tall Pines Quilt Guild, and many of her quilts will be on display during visitation and services. Monte had many hidden talents. She could roller skate well into her 40s, loved to sing and dance, and once declared that smoking wasn’t for her after burning a hole in her favorite skirt. (Yes, Mom—we’re telling all your business, and you can’t stop us.) If she ever shared a secret with you, you were warned to keep it—or she would call you a liar. Monte loved music. Her tastes leaned toward Elvis, Vince Gill, Alan Jackson and Alison Kraus - country, gospel, and bluegrass. If it could be played loud, sung along to, or stirred up a memory, she was all in. Monte also loved sports and watching them was serious business. Football came first—high school (she cheered for whatever team her nephews happened to be coaching), college (same rule applied), and the NFL (Go Cowboys!). She also followed March Madness, confidently picking winners based on jersey colors and mascots, unless, of course, a Texas team was involved. She loved watching the National Finals Rodeo, too—though she never quite managed to watch the bull riding without cringing. Monte loved deeply, laughed freely, worked hard, and held fast to her faith. She will be missed beyond words and remembered always. Visitation will begin at 10:00 a.m., followed by services at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, April 11, 2026 at Sam Houston Memorial Funeral Home in Huntsville, TX, with refreshments immediately afterward. Please join us—and bring your “Monte” stories to share. She wouldn’t want this to be sad; she’d want us to laugh, smile and tell stories – unless she told you to “keep it a secret”! As Monte was a big support of education, in lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to the Tall Pines Quilt Guild Scholarship Fund, memo “Scholarship Fund – Monte Knight.” Donations may be sent via Venmo @TPQGtreasurer (last four digits 4148) or via PayPal at Tall Pines Quilt Guild.

Monte Sue Knight

October 22, 1946 - April 3, 2026