Alberta “Burkie” Knight (Burkholder) 91 of Centerville died Monday August 10, 2015, after a short illness.   Her last days were spent with her large family, a living wake filled with the sadness of loss and the celebration of a life well lived.
 
She was the best friend and wife of the late Colonel Hale H. Knight, a career Army Infantry Officer who died in 2001.  They had been married for 54 years.  
 
Born in Connellsville, PA, Mrs. Knight served in the U.S. Army during World War II as a registered nurse. Women in the military could not be married during this era, so in order to marry she resigned her commission in 1946 and was honorably discharged with the rank of 1^st Lieutenant.
 
Dedicated to raising her seven children, Mrs. Knight and her family lived in Italy and Japan as well as in eight different states.  When her children were older, she continued her nursing career at the Claremont Nursing and Rehabilitation Center in Carlisle, PA and at the Nurse’s Station for state employees in Harrisburg, PA.  She also volunteered as a helper and aide at the Bethany Village in Mechanicsburg, PA.
 
Mrs. Knight was a living example of the Depression/WWII generation, instilling in her children the virtues of hard work and personal accountability.  Burkie was an avid reader of murder mysteries and forensic science and took daily walks regardless of the weather.  She enjoyed staying on top of current events, particularly in the political arena.  She especially enjoyed supporting the endeavors of her children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren.
 
Mrs. Knight is survived by four sons, Gregory Knight and Patty Cleaver of Mechanicburg, PA, Ronald and his wife, Linda of Centerville, David and his wife, Sue of Alexandria, VA, and Gary of Greenville, SC; three daughters, Jeannette Creighton and her husband, Malcolm of Carlisle, Susan Lombard and her husband, Jeff of Largo, FL, and Cynthia Zlogar and her husband, Patrick of Clifton Park, NY; eighteen grandchildren, Geoff, Rachel, Alexander, Eric, Lauren, Colleen, Evan, Alec, Griffin, Madison, Zoe, Paige, Sterling, Hale, Quinn, Kym, Drew, and Jordan; and six great grandchildren, Brooke, Jake, Luke, Austin, Murphy Jane, and Hampton. 
 
Services will be at a date to be determined in Arlington National Cemetery, Arlington VA, where Mrs. Knight will be interred with the love of her life. 
 
As an expression of sympathy, memorial contributions may be made to the Wounded Warrior Project, P.O. Box 758517, Topeka, KS 66675 or to the Visiting Nurse Association of Cape Cod – Hospice, P.O. Box 370, Hyannis, MA 02601.    

To the family of Burkie, my thoughts and prayers are with you all. I never had the pleasure of meeting Burkie, but by the story that I have been told by Cindy, I have really missed out on one of the most incredible women to have been on this great earth. My Dad also served in WWII, U.S. Army, and it leaves me to wonder if they ever crossed paths, as he needed medical attention. (Your Little Angel brought him back to me.)She had the gift to help so many people, and how lucky were they to receive that gift from such a loving person. Burkie was such a wonderful gift to so many in her lifetime, and now, "She is a Gift to All". Our Heavens are so much brighter now that Burkie has gone HOME with the love of her life. With those beautiful eyes of hers, she will now be that "Heavenly Angel" who will watch over all of her children, and always be right by your side wherever you go, and she will be the one holding your hand when you feel that peace. Burkie has gone home, and until you meet again, she will forever be by your side. May you all find peace in knowing that she will always be in your heart, and always be your Loving Mom.

To the family of Burkie, my thoughts and prayers are with you all. I never had the pleasure of meeting Burkie, but from the story that I have been told by Cindy, I have really missed out on one of the most incredible women to have been on this great earth. My Dad also served in WWII, U.S. Army, and it leaves me to wonder if they ever crossed paths as he needed medical attention.(Your Little Angel brought him back to me) She had the gift to help so many people and how lucky were they to receive that gift from such a loving person. Burkie was a Wonderful Gift to so many in her lifetime and now she, is a Gift to All. Our Heavens are so much brighter now that Burkie has gone HOME with the love of her life. With those beautiful eyes of hers, she will now be that "Heavenly Angel" who will watch over all of her children, and she will always be right by your side where ever you go, and she will be the one holding your hand when you feel that peace. Burkie has gone home, and until you meet again, she will forever be by your side. May you all find peace in knowing that she will always be in your heart, and always be your Loving Mom!

Dear Family of Mrs. Knight, I want to express our sincere sympathy on behalf of the Carlisle Barracks Commissary Family. Mrs. Knight was one of our favorite shoppers. Many of us have been employed at our store for many years and we become friends with our patrons. We are so very sorry for your loss. May God wrap his arms of comfort and peace around each and every one of you. May she rest in peace, we will miss seeing her.

To Burkie in prayer, and to the lovely family. It was a sincere honor to be with you Burkie and to care for you. Although I knew it was only a very short time to have known you, I only had to look around to see what a lovely family you have to know how special you truly are. I know you are in a very special place. May God hold you in a tight embrace. God bless you and rest in peace.