Miriam Spencer Knight

Miriam was born on September 10, 1936, in Provo, Utah, the youngest child of Francis Harold Spencer and Alice Clayson Spencer. She grew up in Payson, Utah, and graduated from Payson High School. Although she later lived in Chicago, Seattle, and Salt Lake City, Miriam always considered Payson her true home.

On March 19, 1959, she married Melvin Knight in Chicago, Illinois. Together they built a family centered on faith, love, and service, and on August 31, 1961, their family was sealed in the Salt Lake Temple. Miriam and Mel loved spending time together, especially traveling with family and friends and making cherished memories along the way.

Miriam found great purpose in being a loving mother and caregiver. She raised her children with steady love and support: Brent (Nadine), Bradley, Leslie (Larry Mantle), Jeffrey (Susie), and Douglas (Troy). For a time, her granddaughter Chelsey lived in Miriam’s home and was like a daughter to her, though she loved all of her grandchildren the same. She treasured her posterity—23 grandchildren and 38 great-grandchildren—and in later years found special companionship in her beloved dogs.

A woman of deep faith, Miriam served faithfully in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. The highlight of her service was the joy of working alongside people she loved and meeting new friends as a Relief Society President, a Primary President, and especially as a temple ordinance worker. She was known for her kindness, sense of humor, and ability to make others feel loved and seen.

Miriam is survived by her children, her brother John Spencer, her grandchildren, and her great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Mel; her brother Phillip; her sister Barbara; and her granddaughter, Laura.

A viewing will be held on Friday, September 5, from 6:00–8:00 p.m. at Wasatch Lawn Memorial Park, 3401 S Highland Drive, Millcreek, UT. Funeral services will take place on Saturday, September 6, at 11:00 a.m. at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 2080 E 5165 S, Holladay, UT. An additional viewing will be held at the church on Saturday morning from 9:30 – 10:30 a.m., concluding promptly before the service. Interment will follow at Wasatch Lawn Memorial Park in Millcreek.

The family wishes to express heartfelt gratitude to her many friends and to those who cared for her in the sunset of her life.

Those who would like to join the livestream may follow the link here: https://youtube.com/live/S-P-P2TJK_I?feature=share