Ursula Glas Knight 1927 - 2010

Ursula Glas Knight 1927 ~ 2010 Ursula Margot Glas Knight, 83, beloved wife, mother, grandmother and friend, died Tuesday, November 23, 2010, after a courageous struggle with a variety of health problems. She never stopped smiling and was an example to many. She was born April 2, 1927 in the historic German City of Weimar, the only child of Max Otto and Elsa Erdmuthe Gumpert Glas. Married Joseph Hal Knight July 12, 1956 in New York City, and later solemnized in the LDS Salt Lake Temple. Ursula was a convert to The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and was unwavering in her faith and service. She served a four year mission, some in Russian occupied East Germany, and then in West Berlin. As a result of crossing the Iron Curtain on a church assignment, it became dangerous to return home and she didn't see her parents again for many, many years. In coming to the United States in 1956, she once again left things behind - her familiar culture and her language. She arrived in America with no English and full of uncertainty, but she had a firm grip on her religion. Ursula faced every challenge with determination, ranging from learning the language, motherhood, learning to drive a car and US citizenship class. She took special delight in being a cook and homemaker. Her grandchildren were her "angels." Ursula's dazzling smile was like a beacon and people were her business. She made lasting friends everywhere she went, grew to become an LDS ward Relief Society president, leader of the ward choir for 20 years and a Primary teacher. She later served with her husband as a missionary at the LDS Humanitarian Center. In her last years she delighted in crocheting colorful afghans, creating more than 200 which she donated to the Humanitarian Center. For many years she was a store manager at several fabric shops in the Salt Lake Valley and was employed at ZCMI until her retirement in 1992. She enjoyed traveling with her husband, visiting church history sites, temples and Hawaii until amputation of her right leg ended such trips 10 years ago, but she never complained. Ursula is survived by her husband; sons: Joseph Frank (June) Knight and Neal Roger (Connie) Knight; daughters: Crystal Audrey (Darven) Erickson and Nikki (Gregory) Park; seven grandchildren; two great-grandchildren. A viewing will be held Sunday, November 28, 2010, 6-8 p.m. at McDougal Funeral Home, 4330 South Redwood Road. At Ursula's request, a private family service will be held Monday, November 29, 2010. Interment, Valley View Memorial Park.