Phyllis McKnight Obituary

Phyllis LaPorte McKnight, a joyous woman with a deep faith, passed away on March 15, 2026, at Glens Falls Hospital, surrounded by her loving family.

Born March 5, 1939, in Plattsburgh, Phyllis was the daughter of the late Charles and Elizabeth (Bell) LaPorte. She learned the value of hard work at a young age, watching and assisting her parents run a general store. She graduated from St. John's Academy in 1956, moving briefly to New York City where she graduated from Air Career School, earning her flight attendant wings.

At 21, she entered the most cherished chapter of her life, becoming a mother. Eventually, her innate ability to nurture led her back to school to become a Nurse's Aid. She worked for many years in that position, and at 50 years old, graduated from Purdue Calumet as a Registered Nurse. She began her nursing career at CVPH in Plattsburgh, before moving to Glens Falls Hospital where she retired at the age of 75.

Caring for people came so naturally to Phyllis. She listened intently, spoke kindly, and loved deeply. Those who were lucky enough to know her, knew she was always there to help. She was needed right until the end.

It was her deep faith in Jesus that kept her going, despite life's painful moments. Every hardship she faced, she gave up to God. Every joy, she thanked Him. That ability to surrender, made way for deep gratitude and forgiveness, both of which she practiced freely.

Phyllis was predeceased by her parents, her brother Phillip LaPorte, sisters Catherine Beckwith and Beverly LaPorte, niece, Susan LaPorte; and two nephews, James Hunt and Eric LaPorte.

She is survived by her children whom she adored and admired, Joseph Wells, Theresa Ruoff (Mark), Michael Wells (Lisa), Regina Wells, and Kerry Anne McKnight; her beloved grandchildren, Jennifer Wells, Katrina Lyons (Sean), Gregory Wells, Phoebe Wells (John), Miles Malik, Noah Malik, Nolan Wells, Leanne Bouchard (Scott), and Mark Ruoff Jr.; one great-grandson, Asher Ruoff; her nieces and nephews, PJ LaPorte, Cathy Campney, Leesa Talley, Tim Hunt and Susie Walters; her sister-in-law Joan LaPorte; many cousins; her church family; and granddog Jasper.

Private services will be held at R.W. Walker Funeral Home in Plattsburgh, along with a private celebration of life at the Greater Glens Falls Bible Baptist Church in Hudson Falls.

The family would like to thank the West Glens Falls EMS, her longtime PA Lynn Keil, Dr. Mason, and the entire staff at the C.R. Wood Cancer Center, especially Autumn, and all of the staff at Glens Falls Hospital. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Greater Glens Falls Bible Baptist Church in Phyllis' honor.