Elizabeth (Beth) R. Knight

June 19, 1941 - November 6, 2025

Born June 19, 1941 in Peoria, IL, the daughter of Elizabeth Brenenstal and Raymond Johnson, Elizabeth Rae Knight, passed away peacefully in Denver, Colorado, on November 6, 2025, at the age of 84.

She was preceded in death by her three brothers Lawrence, Louis, and Ed Johnson and is survived by her daughter, Michelle (Don) Ku of Denver, CO and grandson, Addison Ku of Brooklyn, NY.

Raised in Peoria, IL, Beth spent most of her life in her hometown before brief stints in Las Vegas and Denver before returning to Peoria. As she faced dementia in the final years, Michelle brought her to Denver to be nearby and ensure her comfort.

Beth was married three times, and during her second marriage decided she no longer wanted to be called the name she never cared for - Betty Rae. From then on, she became known as Beth.

She began a 32-year career with Caterpillar Tractor Co. in 1962 after, as she told it, calling them every day until they gave her a job. Working in the accounting department until her retirement in 1994, she earned a reputation for her famous chocolate chip cookies, which coworkers often requested.

She was a working mother long before it was common and was known as the “cool mom” for her fashion sense -  especially in the 1960’s, with her bold eyeliner, beehive hairdo, miniskirts and hot pants. A natural brunette, though few in her adult life would know it, she spent most of her adult life as a blonde, wholeheartedly embracing Clairol’s promise that “blondes have more fun”.

After retirement, Beth enjoyed treasure hunting through the aisles of TJ Maxx. Her grandson, Addison, remembers her as a Nana whose mission was to spoil him rotten. She showed him that age is just a number, always staying young at heart and sharing her wide-ranging cultural tastes - from Elvis to Pet Shop Boys, Toby Keith to Andrea Bocelli.

Beth had a water cremation, and a celebration of her life will be held in Peoria, Illinois, in March 2026. Date to be determined.