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O'Donnell-Cookson Life Celebration Home

1435 State Street

Quincy, Illinois

Rosanne Knight Obituary

Rosanne "Rosie" Knight, 72, of Quincy, passed away Friday, October 31, 2025, at Sunset Home in Quincy, IL.
Rosie was born January 6, 1953, in Rushville, IL to Glenn and Martha (Lashmett) Knight.
Survivors include her soulmate, Mark Hendricks; her sisters, Barb Schmidt (Rich) and Glenda Knight (Carol); her nieces and nephews, Mikki Morris (Keith), Nicole Kuhlman, Jennifer Smith (Corey), Jamie White (Jill), and several great nieces.
Rosie was preceded in death by her parents; one brother, Andy Knight; both sets of grandparents; and a sister in-law, Esther Knight.
Rosie's educational journey began at Quincy High School, where she graduated in 1971. Her pursuit of knowledge led her to Gem City Business College. In 1972, Rosie started her long-standing role as a unit secretary at St. Mary's Hospital. In 1986, Rosie embarked on a new chapter as the administrative secretary for the Quincy Police Department until her retirement in 2008. After retiring, she remained active in her community, contributing her time and expertise to Crime Stoppers and the United Way allocation panel. Rosie's passion for education continued as she served the QPS district as a paraeducator, guiding young minds with patience and care. Her organizational skills shone brightly as she served as the secretary for the Illinois League of Municipal Employees.
Outside her professional life, Rosie's interests were as diverse as they were passionate. She found solace in the great outdoors, camping at Wyaconda in her pop-up camper, and relishing the serene beauty of the Lake of the Ozarks with her beloved Mark. Rosie's love for literature was evident in her admiration for authors Debbie Macomber and Danielle Steele, whose books provided her with countless hours of enjoyment.
A talented baker, Rosie delighted in creating Christmas candies, fudge, and Chex party mix, sharing these treats with friends and family during the holiday season. Her love for travel took her on adventures far and wide, from the enchanting world of Walt Disney to the majestic sights of an Alaskan cruise. Rosie's journeys by bus to places like NYC, Maine, Georgia, Pigeon Forge, and Mackinac Island were always accompanied by the joy of adding a new teddy bear to her extensive collection-a collection lovingly expanded by gifts from family members' travels.
Family gatherings, especially at Christmas, were a source of immense joy for Rosie. Game nights, pajama parties, and the exchange of white elephant gifts were traditions she treasured deeply. Rosie's heart was fullest when she was surrounded by children, dogs, and her dear Mark. Her laughter, warmth, and unwavering love created a legacy that will be treasured by all who were fortunate enough to be part of her life.
The family would like to extend a special thank you to the staff at Sunset Home and Blessing Hospice for their compassionate care of Rosie.
Friends and Family are invited to Rosie's Life Celebration at a visitation that will be Thursday, November 6, 2025, from 4:00 pm to 6:00 pm at O'Donnell-Cookson Life Celebration Home in Quincy, IL.
A Graveside Service will be at 10:00 am Friday, November 7, 2025, at the Greenmount Cemetery in Quincy. Pastor Ron Tallcott will officiate. Attendees are encouraged to wear tie dye, as it was Rosie's favorite.
Memorial contributions may be made to Blessing Hospice or Horizons Food Bank.
To send flowers to the family of Rosanne "Rosie", please visit our floral store.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Obituary published on Legacy.com by WGEM on Nov. 1, 2025.

Memories and Condolences
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4 Entries

June and Vern

November 3, 2025

I worked with Rosie at QPD. She always had a smile and made every new employee feel welcome. And oh how she hated driving in the winter! She always looked forward to going on her `girl´ trips. I will always remember on one of them she took the time to stop at my father´s grave while going through Connecticut and took pictures. I was only ten at the time and didn´t remember it.
Rosie, I´m sure your sitting and laughing with your family and friends having a wonderful time in Heaven. Rest in Peace.

Cindy Winston

November 3, 2025

Worked with Rosie at QPD. She was always a ray of sunshine!

Exquisite Tribute Standing Spray

Lou ann Bush

Sent Sympathy Gifts including Flowers

Lou Ann Bush

November 3, 2025

It was with a heavy heart when I learned of Rosie's passing. Rosie and I have been friends since 1971 when we became roommates while attending Gem City Business College. She was at first very quiet and shy, but she quickly came out of that shell! I won't embarrass any of us survivors with details of some wild and crazy nights spent partying, but just thinking of those times always brings a smile to my face. My other forever friend, Linda, and Rosie and myself were blessed with several opportunities over the years to take "girls only" trips to Colorado, Branson, Mo. and a couple of trips to Hannibal. We talked about and planned on taking more trips, but life/health issues got in the way. It was so easy to slip back into childlike joy when we were together, trading secrets and solving some of the problems of the world! The love of her life was Mark and my heart goes out to him in this time of grief. Rosie always, always so lovingly talked about Mark and how lucky she was to share her life with him. She also had so many friends that were family and family that were friends. My faith tells me she is no longer in pain and was welcomed to her heavenly home where she'll wait on the rest of us. Rosie was truly one of a kind and I will miss her.

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Memorial Events
for Rosanne Knight

Nov

6

Visitation

4:00 p.m. - 6:00 p.m.

O'Donnell-Cookson Life Celebration Home

1435 State Street, Quincy, IL 62301

Nov

7

Service

10:00 a.m.

Greenmount Cemetery

1701 South 12th St., Quincy, IL 62301

Funeral services provided by:

O'Donnell-Cookson Life Celebration Home

1435 State Street, Quincy, IL 62301

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