Ellen E. McKnight Honor A Deceased Veteran

ELLEN E. MCKNIGHT
1919-2017

FAMILY HISTORY:
Ellen E. Mcknight was born on June 6, 1919 in Castleton-on-Hudson, New York to the late Herman F. Gietz and Kathryn Landmann Gietz. She was the sister of the late Rev. Harold Gietz and the late Winifred Gietz.

EDUCATION:
Ellen graduated from Castleton High School in 1937, and then went on to St. Luke’s Hospital School of Nursing in New York City. She graduated from the School of Nursing in 1940.

HISTORY:
Ellen enlisted in the United States Army on October 1, 1941, and served during World War II. On December 21, 1945, she was honorably discharged with the rank of First Lieutenant and was awarded the World War II Victory Medal, the American Campaign Medal, the National Defense Ribbon, and the Woman’s Army Corps Service Ribbon. On December 15, 1948 Ellen reenlisted into the United States Army and served until she was honorably discharged again on August 14, 1950.

PERSONAL:
Ellen was the wife of the late Lieutenant Nevin W. Shaak and the late Lieutenant Colonel James D. McKnight. She is survived by her five sons; David, Douglas, Colin, Stuart, and Donald McKnight, ten grandchildren, and 4 great-grandchildren.

WORK EXPERIENCE:
Ellen worked as a registered nurse, and was the school nurse at Maple Hill High School.

COMMUNITY ACTIVITIES/ORGANIZATIONS:
Ellen was the first female member of Castleton VFW Post 7337, and a communicant of Trinity Lutheran Church. Ellen enjoyed being a member of the Castleton Study Club and Castleton Seniors.