Laurie Virginia Knight, 75, of Marion, passed away in her home at 3:19 pm on Thursday, October 16, 2025. She was born in Norwich, Connecticut, on Sunday, February 5, 1950, to Lester and Lillian (Murray) Canada. She married Clifton P. Knight on October 21, 1994, who preceded her in death on August 29, 2024.
Laurie served in the Army from 1975 to 1978 and was honorably discharged after achieving the rank of Specialist E-4. She was an outstanding soldier, earning a rating of Excellent on several NCO counseling statements and achieving Marksman proficiency with the M16 rifle. She was very proud of the mental health program that she initiated while serving the United States Army.
Following her enlistment, Laurie continued her service to others by pursuing a career in social work. She earned bachelor’s and master’s degrees in social work from Indiana University, Indianapolis. Laurie began working for the Veterans Administration in 1986 at facilities in Indianapolis, St. Louis, San Diego, and finally at the Marion, Indiana VA in 1990. She dedicated her 30-year career at the VA to improving the lives of other veterans by providing psychiatric counseling for PTSD and substance abuse.
Laurie married Clifton Knight in 1994. Clif and Laurie spent nearly 30 years together, devoting their lives to caring for others, each other, and their cherished canines, Auggie, Cassie, and Bubbie. Despite Clif being a United States Marine, Laurie was able to coach him over the course of their marriage to meet minimum United States Army standards, another one of her proud accomplishments.
Laurie enjoyed attending church, and had attended St. Paul Catholic Church, Eastview Wesleyan Church, and most recently First Baptist Church in Marion. She also enjoyed shopping and decorating her home; two activities she executed with meticulous attention to detail. She was an avid runner, having completed the Oktoberfest marathon while stationed in Germany. Laurie had a giving heart and would actively seek opportunities to help those in need. Her boundless energy, feisty spirit, and compassion for others will be missed dearly by all those who knew her.
Survivors include her sister, Jetty Spainhour of Noblesville; sisters-in-law, Vanessa Canada, Carolyn Smith, Patricia (Bruce) Peterson, Cindy (Ed) Patton; brothers-in-law, Steve Williamson, Gary (Lynn) Knight, Vincent (Lisa) Knight, Steve (Susan) Knight; nephews, Aaron (Tikisha) Knight, Chad Adamson, Kevin (Layne) Knight, Robert (Lisa) Wirey, Steve Williamson, Joseph Williamson, Shane (Tara) Canada; niece, Brandi Canada; great-nephew, Cole Knight; great-niece, Keira Knight; her friend of over 30 years, Becky Horn; and several more loved nieces, nephews, and friends.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Lester Robert and Lillian Arlene Canada; husband, Clifton P. Knight; twin brother, George Canada; sisters, Mary Jane Wirey and Betty Bernice Williamson; sister-in-law, Elizabeth Rains, nephew, Sergeant First Class Collin J Bowen; and her three beloved dogs, Auggie, Cassie, and Bubbie.
The family will receive visitors from 4:00 pm to 6:00 pm on Monday, October 27, 2025, at Needham-Storey-Wampner Funeral & Cremation Service, North Chapel, 1341 N. Baldwin Ave., Marion, IN 46952. A light buffet will be provided for guests during visitation hours.
Immediately following the time of visitation, a memorial service to celebrate Laurie's life will begin at 6:00 pm. Inurnment will take place at a later date at Marion National Cemetery.
Memorial contributions may be directed to Cancer Services of Grant County Tower Suites 305 S. Norton Ave., Marion, IN 46952 or First Baptist Church, 403 W. 4th St., Marion, IN 46952.
Memories may be shared online at www.nswcares.com.
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