Roberta “Berta” Eugenia Knight, a devoted mother, grandmother, sister and friend, passed away peacefully on Nov. 18, 2025, at her home in Benedict. She was born Dec. 12, 1972, in Wichita. Berta lived a life rich in love, service, and commitment to her family and community Berta was the daughter of Amelia M. (Simmons) Knight, who preceded her in death. She grew up surrounded by her loving family and cherished her siblings, Teala Knight, Kimberly Harbison and Trena Ford. She was preceded in death by her brothers, Manuel Martinez and Jay Martinez. She was a nurturing presence in the lives of her many nieces, nephews and cousins, who will forever hold dear the memories they shared with her.
A graduate of West High School in Wichita, Berta later pursued a career in law enforcement. She graduated from the Kansas Law Enforcement Training Center in Hutchinson in 2010 and went on to serve her community for 24 years in a variety of roles. She most recently worked for the Wilson County Sheriff’s Office and previously served with the Neosho County Sheriff’s Office, Chanute Police Department and as Chief of Police in Erie, where she served for two years. Her commitment to public service was a testament to her character and her desire to make a meaningful difference.
Outside her work, Berta found joy in gardening, tending her plants and canning the vegetables she grew. Above all, she loved her family. She is survived by her children: Kayla (Kevan) Lair; Kara Bennon; Doc (Carrie) O’Neal; Jeremy (Megan) Ewan; Laken (Brandon) Littlejohn; Jayci (Sebastian) Rajas; and Colton Harris.
She was a devoted grandmother to Remington Daniels, Amelia Daniels, Charlye Aday, Ace Aday, Virgil Lair, Masen Sutton, Ruby Brennon, Rylie Brennon, Adalynn Harmon, Dominic O’Neal, Adrian O’Neal, Caden Eads, James Ewan, Bo Chism, Hadleigh Chism, Sawyer Littlejohn, Kace Littlejohn, Bindi Stanislaus and Brittyn Harris.
Berta shared a deep and loving relationship with Mike Collins, the love of her life, who supported and cherished her.
She is survived by her children, grandchildren, siblings and a wide circle of family and friends who will miss her dearly. Her compassion, strength and dedication to her family and community leave a lasting legacy.
Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. Tuesday, Dec. 2, 2025, at Erie Federated Church, 202 S. Main St., Erie, Kansas. Memorials are suggested to the Emprise Bank Adopt-A-Child Program in Chanute and may be left at the church.
As we mourn the loss of Roberta “Berta” Eugenia Knight, we remember the abundant love she shared and the impact she made on the lives of those who knew her. She will be deeply missed but never forgotten. To infinity and beyond!
