Lena Mae Knight (Border) age 90, formerly of Centralia, Illinois, passed away Sunday, April 21, 2024.
Lena grew up as the oldest of four children and graduated from Centralia High School in 1954. She spent most of her life as a waitress and cook, as well as the owner of her own restaurant for a couple of years. After retiring, Lena resided in Alton, Illinois, and Dardenne Prairie, Missouri. She spent much of her retirement as a Foster Grandparent Program volunteer assisting children in the school system to read. Lena enjoyed cooking for her family and spending time with her grandchildren.
Lena was preceded in death by her parents Olen and Grace Border, her brother Butch Border and daughter Pam Welty.
She is survived by her two sisters Martha Baggett (Ben, deceased) and Saundra Harrison (husband Rocky); two sons Floyd Cook (wife Lin) and Charles Cook (wife Valerie); two daughters Grace Carey (husband Boyd) and Rhonda Borgmann (husband Doug); nine grandchildren, and six great-grandchildren.
Lena donated her body to the Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri. A Celebration of Life will be held on May 25, 2024, at 1:00 pm at the Irvington Community Center, Irvington, Illinois. The family would like to express our thanks to the wonderful help and care Lena received from the nurses and administration at Allegro Senior Living, Mother of Perpetual Help Assisted Living, Mary Queen and Mother Center, and Solace Hospice. If desired, friends may make memorial contributions to St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital, Memphis, Tennessee.
