Gwen Knight

Gwen (Stark) Knight, beloved matriarch of the Knight family passed peacefully Sunday, March 30, 2025, surrounded by the love of her family.

Gwen was born December 28,1932 in Trousdale, Oklahoma, the youngest of three children to much loved parents James Edward and Neva (Jones) Stark, who instilled in their children a strong work ethic and Christian values. Gwen was a member of the Country Club Road Church of Christ.

At a young age Gwen’s family moved to New Mexico and settled in Portales where her father farmed and raised cattle and Gwen attended Portales schools. It was there she met and married the love of her life James Nolan Knight on September 16, 1950. Shortly after, Nolan joined the United States Army and proudly served his country in the Korean War. When he returned the couple made their home in Las Cruces, NM where Nolan was a supervisor for Mountain Bell Telephone and they welcomed two daughters, Nolana Gwen and Kim Nevon.

In 1964 Nolan was transferred to Clovis, NM and the family made their home in nearby Portales on the family farm. Gwen was a devoted wife and mother. She was well known for her many creations as an accomplished seamstress and her kitchen was warm and welcoming, always filled with the comforting aromas of home cooked meals, baked breads and pies and cakes in the oven. Under her tender loving care the young family flourished and many happy, carefree years were spent living on the little farm on the hill.

After Nolan’s retirement the couple moved to Roswell, NM where together they established the family business KL Enterprises, Inc. specializing in building fiber optic telephone systems in multiple states and it eventually evolved into a commercial electrical company servicing the Dallas/Ft. Worth Metroplex and surrounding area. Gwen was a dedicated wife and enjoyed being by Nolan’s side through many business ventures.

Gwen’s greatest joys were Nolan, her children, grandchildren and great grandchildren and she devoted countless hours to each and every one. Her kindness, humor, willingness to help, comforting presence and the gift of keeping the home fires burning for our family will forever be missed.

Gwen was preceded in death by her dearest Nolan, her parents, her siblings, Doyle Stark and Jay Stark, her special father and mother-in-law Clinton and Maudie Knight, brothers-in-law, Norman Knight, Jerry Knight (her little bud), Aaron Knight, sisters-in-law Burma Stark, Patsy Stark and Nancy Knight and nephews, Ed Stark and Jerry Stark.

She is survived by her daughters Nolana Knight Bassett (John), Kim Knight, grandchildren, Mark Mahone, Amber Knight, Kristen Montano (Alex), great grandchildren, Ashlyn Smith, Oseii Smith, Bri Smith, Jace Montano, Lexi Montano, James Montano, sisters-in-law Vessie Croker, Johnnie Knight, Teresa Knight, Peggy Moore, brothers-in-law Butch Knight (Glenda), Michael Knight (Carla), Richard Knight and her beloved, constant companion Zoe, who brought so much joy to her life, as well as numerous nieces and nephews that she loved dearly.

There will be a private family service at a later date. The family wishes to extend their sincere appreciation to Dr. Virgle Herrin, Claudia, Maria, Veronica, Gentiva Hospice, Takiesha and Melissa for their excellent care of our mother.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Assurance Home of Roswell, New Mexico Christian Children’s Home, Portales or a charity of one’s choice.