Helen Eileen McKnight

Eileen was born on July 5, 1930, at home on Younker Road near Versailles, Ohio, in Richland Township, Darke County. She was the sixth child born to Issac Clifford Good and Effie Alice (Stump) Good.

Eileen’s childhood was spent in the countryside on the family farm. She often shared stories of riding on the broad back of a workhorse and spoke fondly of the smell of freshly turned earth and newly mown hay. Her education began in a one-room brick schoolhouse, Brown School No. 8, in Allen Township. She attended Brown School for eight years alongside classmates Mary Lenker and Bob Zacharias before continuing her education at Jackson High School, now Mississinawa Valley High School, where she graduated in 1949.

Following her graduation in 1949, Eileen married Harold Leo McKnight, whom she met on a blind date, on May 19, 1950, beginning a partnership that would span seventy years. The newlyweds made their home in Greenville, Ohio, where Eileen’s first job was with Aid for the Aged.

In 1954, Eileen and Harold moved their family to Parker, Arizona. During their time there, Eileen worked for the Bank of Arizona. Although they returned to Ohio in 1955, their connection to the Southwest remained strong because of family, and they later spent additional years living in Arizona before returning to Ohio permanently in 1962.

After settling back in Darke County, Eileen and Harold pursued their entrepreneurial spirit. In 1964, they began building Rustic Hill Market, a family business they owned and operated for more than a decade before selling it in 1976.

From 1976 to 1982, Eileen and Harold farmed in Greenville, Ohio. In 1982, they relocated to Texas, where they spent five years. While living there, Eileen worked for the Internal Revenue Service, and Harold worked for the State of Texas. In 1987, they returned home to Ohio and began building the house on Kester-Byard Road that would become the center of family gatherings and cherished memories for years to come.

Throughout every move and new chapter, Eileen remained devoted to her family. Whether working outside the home, helping operate a family business, farming alongside her husband, or using her talents to help Harold (Carpenter) build a welcoming home for their children and grandchildren. Her greatest joy was always found in family and the people she loved.

In addition to her parents, Eileen was preceded in death by her beloved husband of seventy years, Harold Leo McKnight, who passed away in 2020. She was also preceded in death by her brothers and sisters and their spouses: Kenneth (Georgiana) Good, Ronald (Lillian) Good, Mildred (Glen) Turner, Glenn (Roberta) Good, Betty (Veryl) Lyons, and Wayne Good; son-in-law David Rismiller; one granddaughter; and one great-granddaughter.

Eileen is survived by her children, Belinda K. Rismiller, Scott B. McKnight, and Colleen K. McKnight.

She is also survived by her grandchildren: Rachel (Denver) Wellman, Morgan (Matt) Aultman, Ian (Tiffany) Rismiller, Emily (Craig) Oliver, Elizabeth (Jeffrey) Oliver-Brown, Elijah (Ashley) Oliver, and Ethan (Chelsea) Oliver.

Her surviving great-grandchildren include Sophia and William Aultman; Garrett, Liam, Harlee, and Talia Rismiller; Kori (Logan) McGee/Family, Elena, Lydia, Alesha, and Julia Oliver; Molly, Avery, Mac, and Huxley Kniesly (belonging to Elizabeth Oliver), Haydon and Easton Brown; Harper and Reid Oliver; and Isabelle, Henley, Jensen, and Farrin.

She is also survived by her sister-in-law, Patricia Good.

Eileen will be remembered by all who knew and loved her. From her childhood on a Darke County farm to the many places she called home throughout her life, she carried with her a strong faith and love for Jesus, a thoughtful spirit by extending generosity to anyone in need and always a deep love for her family and those around her. Eileen achieved many things throughout her life, such as self-taught pianist who loved to sing hymns, three-time blue rosette division winner for crochet, excellent seamstress, and devoted caregiver of 10 years for Harold, just to name a few! Her life story lives on through the generations of family she cherished and the countless memories she leaves behind. She will be deeply missed and lovingly remembered by all who knew her.

A funeral service will be held at 10:30 am Monday, June 15, 2026, at the First Baptist Church 7233 State Route 121 Greenville, OH 45331, with Pastor Jim Meredith officiating. Burial will follow in Oakland Cemetery. The family will receive friends on Sunday from 2:00 to 5:00 pm at Zechar Bailey Funeral Home in Greenville and Monday morning from 9:30 to 10:30 am at the church. Memorial contributions may be made to St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital 501 St. Jude Place Memphis, TN 38105. Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.zecharbailey.com for the McKnight family.