Wilene Knight, 92, of Amherst, NH passed away peacefully at home on Sunday, June 14, 2026, surrounded by family and friends.

She was born July 29, 1933 to William and Eileen Cowles in Lexington, Massachusetts. As a child she had an incredibly close bond with her father and enjoyed helping him with projects. She graduated from Tufts University as well as UNH where she received her masters. She met Burton and they fell madly in love. She went on to be a school counselor in Mont Vernon and Amherst, NH. After living in a rental in Amherst they were able to purchase a farm on Spring Road that had been previously owned by her family members. She and her husband had goats for many years, selling the milk to children with allergies, a cause she was incredibly passionate about. They also had a farm stand of which they sold flowers and vegetables for many years. She loved her sheep of which she would spin her own wool and knit the most incredible sweaters. They had many rental properties over the years that they worked very hard to maintain and helped instill the hardworking trait in their family. She was a proud member of the congregational church in Amherst. The majority of the time you could find Wilene in her garden, a true passion of her life. 

Wilene is predeceased by the love of her life, and husband for 61 years Burton Knight along with her sister Marsha Bushnell.

She is lovingly remembered by her family. Her son, Brad and wife Karin of Amherst, New Hampshire. Her daughter, Susan and husband, Mike Molitor of Zenda, Kansas. Her daughter, Christine, and her husband Steven Coombs of Hill, New Hampshire.

She also leaves behind her grandchildren: Kendall and her husband, Kenneth Glover of Amherst, New Hampshire. Marajka Knight of Amherst, New Hampshire. Bryce Knight and his partner Rachel Flaugh of Philadelphia, PA. Sophie Knight and her partner Cole Davis of Fort Myers, Florida. Ariella and her husband, Sam Despins of Portsmouth, NH. Leah Coombs of Portsmouth, New Hampshire. Zebulon Coombs, currently deployed in Army. Zachary Coombes of Hill, New Hampshire.

She also was a passionate loving great grandmother of Juliana, Alexia, Gabriella, Georgiana, Flora, and Grant Glover of Amherst, New Hampshire and Hendrik Carpenter of Amherst, New Hampshire.

She is survived by her Brother, Bill Cowles of Flagstaff, Arizona. She will be missed by lots of extended family and many friends of whom she loved dearly.

The family would also like to extend their heartfelt gratitude to her entire healthcare team. This includes Liz and Laurie who made her last year full of love and compassion. The family will be forever grateful.

Wilene will be remembered for her love of family and togetherness. Her close bond with many friends and her incredible drive in life. She never gave up. She and her husband Burt spent their life protecting the land and living on it. Together they worked for many years to push land preservation in Amherst. It was her wish to pass at home, and preserve the land for generations to come. All those wishes were able to come true, and the sheep, which Wilene loved, will roam the land for generations to come.

Assisting the family with arrangements is the Cremation Society of New Hampshire. To view an online tribute, leave a message of condolence or for more information please visit www.csnh.com.