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Martha M. Knight was devoted to her family and community and leaves a lasting legacy for future generations. Pre-deceased by her husband, Derwood Knight, in October of 2007, she passed away on October 20, 2009 in Scottsdale, AZ at the age of 80. A friend of long standing, Dolly Marting of Dallas, Texas expressed the sentiment of many others when she said, "Martha Knight enhanced and enriched the lives of all who were fortunate enough to know her in any capacity. She will be missed and not forgotten". Martha was born April 16, 1929 in Pampa, Texas to Neil and Margaret McCullough. She and her family moved to Albuquerque, N.M. in the mid 1940s. After graduating from Albuquerque High School in 1947, she attended Gulf Park Women's College in Mississippi and later attended the University of Colorado and was a member of the Delta Gamma sorority. After returning to Albuquerque, Martha set new standards and goals for community fund raising and involvement. She was the consummate volunteer serving as president of such organizations as the Junior League, Albuquerque Little Theatre, Guild for Santa Fe Opera, New Mexico Symphony and the Albuquerque Council on Alcoholism. She served also as an officer of several other organizations including the National Council on Alcoholism National Board, the University of New Mexico Alumni Board and the New Mexico Ballet. She was active in many fundraisers, balls, benefits, conventions, annual dinners, annual meetings and special events of her affiliated organizations. Upon retiring to Scottsdale with Derwood in 1983, she also became active in the community. In 1985 she became a member of ARCS Foundation (Achievement Rewards for College Scientists). As an ARCS member she served as the Phoenix Chapter president in 1992, parliamentarian as well as chairperson and co-chairperson of several awards benefit dinners and other committees. She also was on the ARCS National Board and its nominating committee, and was honored as an ARCS Light in 1998. Martha is survived by: sons, Lew and his wife, Chris, of Albuquerque, N.M., Eric and his wife, Linda, of Colorado Springs, CO, John and his wife, Dolores, of Albuquerque N.M. Other survivors are the lights of her life: granddaughters, Crissy of Tempe, AZ, Martha and her husband, Dr. Michael Schloemp, of Tempe, AZ; loyal friends and financial advisors of more than 50 years, Pat Dorak and Dale Treider of Albuquerque, N.M. A memorial service honoring and celebrating her life will be announced at a later date. Any gifts may be donated to the ARCS Foundation, 3104 East Camelback Road, PMB374, Phoenix, AZ 85016, or the Susan G. Komen Cancer Foundation, ww5.komen.org/donate/donate.html or mail your donation to: P. O. Box 650309, Dallas, TX 75265-0309
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