Frances Olene Knight, 87, of Madisonville, KY, returned to her heavenly home on Tuesday, November 14, 2023, at Baptist Health Deaconess in Madisonville, following a brief illness.

She was born on November 20, 1935, in Beulah, KY, to the late Ruth Pryor Knight and Vernon Knight. After graduation, she went on to study and become an optician assistant. In 1962, she started her first job at Lovell Optometry in Madisonville, KY. After thirty-four years, she retired from that same job. Over the years, she also had an opportunity to be a caregiver to the elderly as well as to many young children. She was loved by all of them. She was a faithful member of Greater Lighthouse Pentecostal Church. Frances loved to spend time with her family.

In the words of her family: "We will try to honor this great lady's life and her unselfish contributions to each of us. Sweet memories will fill our hearts every time we think about you. We all had our favorites and although they are innumerable, we will share just a few. Holiday games like the clothespin drop or finding the pickle on the Christmas tree, watching the Kentucky Wildcats play basketball, working puzzles, playing Rook, playing in the car, never being told "No", eating your famous cookies, car rides between Indiana and Kentucky eating fried chicken, weekly phone conversations between work and home, or all of your quick witted responses that made us laugh. Your kind eyes and soft touch would always encourage and lift the hearts of everyone that you came in contact with. You left us a legacy that we will strive to carry on. May we always be kind, considerate, and love unconditionally as you did. The mark you left in our hearts will remain cherished. We are better for knowing you and being loved by you."

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her brothers, Y.L. Knight, Shelley C. Knight, and Shelby R. Knight; nephew, Ricky A. Knight; and great-great-niece, Eva Elizabeth Browning.

Survivors include Norma F. Knight, Tana Lane (Ernie) Evans, Daron Sean (Tamela) Knight, Steve Knight, Darrell Knight, Tim (Laura) Knight, Shannon (Perry) Utley, Willa Mae Rhodes, Debra (John) Herrenbruck, Michael (Doris) Rhodes, Janet (Jim) Zahn, and Tom (Donita) Rhodes.

A graveside service to honor this grand lady's life and her unselfish contributions to all of us will be held at 2:15 p.m. on Saturday, November 18, 2023, at Odd Fellows Cemetery with Pastor Robbie Knox officiating. Harris Funeral Home is in charge of the arrangements.