Jacqueline "Jackee" McKnight

Jacqueline Sue McKnight, lovingly known as Jackee, passed away peacefully on December 29, 2025, at the age of 82. She was born on March 24, 1943, in Columbus, Ohio, and was the oldest of five children.

Jackee graduated from Bexley High School and went on to attend Ohio University and The Ohio State University. It was at Ohio State, in a journalism class, that she met the love of her life, Robert “Bob” McKnight. Together, they built a life filled with curiosity, adventure, and deep companionship.

Jackee and Bob shared a passion for travel and exploration, visiting many countries including Russia, Greece, and Amsterdam. Their adventures also took them scuba diving in the Bahamas and participating in archaeological digs—experiences that reflected Jackee’s lifelong love of learning and discovery.

Jackee was deeply involved in her community and belonged to numerous organizations, including Junior Symphony, Junior League, Childhood League, and the Four Seasons Garden Club. She served as Executive Director of the Upper Arlington Library Foundation, where her talents as a gifted grant writer and fundraiser made a lasting impact. She was also a devoted member of Women of the Word at Upper Arlington Lutheran Church.

An active social presence was important to Jackee, and she was a longtime member of Scioto Country Club, where she enjoyed many luncheons and dinners with friends and participated on the tennis team.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Daniel and Hazel Estes, by her beloved husband, Robert McKnight; her sister Marybet Estes; and her brother Danny.

She is survived by her sisters Deborah Grant (Todd) and Barbara Estes. She leaves behind nieces Tracey Graham (Jay) and Jerilee Lester; nephews Charles Kellar, Scott Kellar, and Patric Estes (Tammy); grandnieces Chelsea Graham and Anna Kellar; and grandnephews Jake Graham, Max Graham, Aidan Kellar, Jaxson Kellar, and Bennett Estes. She is also survived by cousins Kathy Critzer (Steve) and Tom Howell (Karen).

A funeral service will be held for Jackee on Tuesday, January 13, 2026 at 11AM at Upper Arlington Lutheran Church - Lytham Road, 2300 Lytham Rd, Columbus, OH 43220, with reception to follow until burial at 2PM at Union Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Childhood League, UALC, or an organization of your choice.

Jackee will be remembered for her intelligence, generosity, love of family, and adventurous spirit. Her warmth, curiosity, and dedication to service touched many lives, and she will be deeply missed.