Frances Knight

Frances Knight, known to many as Jean, passed away peacefully, September 11, 2014, at her home in Durango, at the age of 89.
Frances Imogene Jones was born on December 11, 1924, to parents Willie and Nellie Jones. Jean and her brothers, Willie, Jr and George Franklin grew up in Wilmington, NC. Jean moved to New York City in her early 20’s. While in New York City, she got the “ski bug” and then moved to North Conway, New Hampshire. She lived and worked at the Oxen Yoke Inn for Herman and Trudy Ostemayer. Rain ended the 1949 ski season early, in New Hampshire, so Jean and her roommate, Ellie Spence, moved to Aspen, Colorado. There she got a job as a waitress at the Golden Horn Restaurant, where she met her future husband, Robert Knight. They stayed in Aspen through the winter of 1949 then the couple ran away to Seattle, WA, where they were married on December 31, 1955. The couple soon returned to Aspen to raise their two children, Amy and Dana. Jean loved skiing with friends and family, was an amazing seamstress, and could throw great backyard garden parties. She worked at the Whale of a Wash for many years and was fondly known as “Mother” there. She also worked at Aspen Sports for many years as well. After retirement, the couple moved to Grand Junction and within the last year moved to Durango to be closer to family.
Mrs. Knight is survived by her husband Robert Knight and children Amy Knight of Durango, CO, Dana and Amy Knight of Aspen, CO and two grandchildren, Stefan and Aiden of Aspen.
No services are planned at this time. Please make all memorial contributions to a charity of your choice in honor of Jean Knight.