Mary Katherine Burt-Knigge

Mary Katherine Burt-Knigge (not to be mistaken for Mary Payne-Knigge) was born in Kimball, Nebraska, on June 9, 1947, and passed away on November 30, 2024, in Gillette, Wyoming.

Mary spent her early life in Pine Bluffs, Wyoming; until she and her brother Kenny moved to be with their mother, Alycia Burt, in New Orleans, Louisianna. Sadly, this only lasted about eight months, as she passed away suddenly, at which time they returned to their father and grandmother, Elda Everhart-Burt, in Pine Bluffs.

Eventually, they followed the jobs in the oil rigs to Gillette, where she met Gordan Knigge, the love of her life. Together they had two children, Kathy Ann and Gary Allen.

As time passed, she and Gordy eventually separated and went their own ways. They were successful at co-parenting their children and remained friends. 

Mary worked at Big Don's in the 1960-70s; even up to the day she gave birth to her firstborn, Kathy. She continued to work there for many years off and on.

She worked at Gay 90's Elks, in her hot outfit and go-go boots. Mary then moved with her children to Moorcroft, Wyoming, where she worked at Hoppers Bar, obtained her secretarial degree and worked at KG Construction. 

Eventually, Mary followed her daughter and family to Midwest City, Oklahoma, which also put her near her father and step-mother, Verle and Maggie. However, we all know she followed along to be near her granddaughter, Kalee and grandson, Jachob; her pride and joys!

Mary lived in Midwest City for several years. In the late '90s she moved to Sheridan, Wyoming, where her daughter and grandchildren had relocated to. She bought a home in Sheridan, which she was very proud of.

She worked at Sheridan Memorial Hospital for several years, until she retired from medical records. She gave her son-in-law a part-time job of trying to make her vehicle perfect, even though there was nothing wrong with it. Any rattling noise or clunking in her car was the only time she could hear, or 'think' she could hear anyways.

Some of the stories shared were in younger years with her cousin Orland, in her young-adult years delivering food with Emy to the rigs for the "guys", Gordy (the love of her life), Orland (her favorite cousin) and the hands at the rig while getting lost and making a road trip out of it. There are many stories/shenanigans to be shared that involved Emy, Vicki, Mary, Aunt Deana, Nancy, Annette and many others over the years.

Mary enjoyed traveling with Nancy and Annette, whether it be all around Wyoming, the Big Horn Mountains or four-wheeling (which is a scary thought: mom driving). They also traveled to Norfolk, Virginia, to visit Gary and April to see the Navy ships.

Mary eventually moved back to Moorcroft for a slower pace of life and to be near Gary, as he was now out of the Navy, and they were able to do things together. This move also put her near her brother Kenny, beloved cousins and friends. She and Gary traveled to South Dakota to see family and reconnect with loved ones.

Mary worked at Donna's Diner for the past seven years, up until the last month of her life. She was able to frequently hang out with Emy, Esther and Vicki.

She would tell you some of her greatest accomplishments in life were her children, Kathy and Gary; grandchildren, Kalee and Jachob; great-grandchildren, Caddence, Jaykeob and Nolen. They could do no wrong in her eyes and she would let you know by the very unpleasant look she would give you, if you were trying to discipline them in any way whatsoever! Another thing she was very proud of was obtaining her Secretarial Diploma in the late 70s. 

Many may not know that Mary was a great seamstress. She would make clothes for her children when they were little, as well as bell-bottom pants and a matching vest for herself.

The kids often wondered where their matching clothes came from, whether it be vests or ponchos. One of the most memorable, according to Emy, was the green bell bottoms that she loved so much and proudly wore.

Mary was known for her knack to drive while singing to the radio, smoking a cigarette and smacking her gum when she was actually taking a cat nap for a few minutes. She loved to ride thriller roller coaster rides. She was able to do this with her son and grandson on a few occasions at Busch Gardens while Kathy, Kalee and April watched from below. She would be grinning from "ear to ear" when she would get off of the ride.

Mary also loved to spoil her dogs and cats, specifically "Tiger-Lo and Remmie" that no one else could hold or you would end up with wounds.

Mary is known for her play on words with objects and their location. For as long as we can remember she would say "hand me that thingy over by the whatcha-ma-call-it, you know by the thingy bob under the ma-jiggy thing". This could be frustrating at times trying to figure out what she was referring to.

She also had a knack for nicknames of random nieces, nephews and grandchildren, i.e .: "Fran-Apple, Bratface, Fat Boy, Fart Blossom, The Boy, Dilley Willey". You all know who you are.

Mary was friends to many and loved by all. She was called "Mother Mary" to many when she worked at SMH, with her daughter, which continued on over the years. And "Granny" from her grandchildren's friends, who all loved her dearly.

Mom taught us early on that family and friends are important; and friends are always considered family. Over the years she opened up her home for a few friends who needed a helping hand, her brother Kenny, and her grandmother, Elda Burt, during her 92 years of her life. She always said family is family no matter the dynamics or situations that life may bring. 

Mary passed away quietly at Campbell County Hospital in Gillette, surrounded by those she loved. Even though this was unexpected, family and friends were able to gather with her during her last hours here on earth.

We were able to listen to some of her favorite country music, share stories/shenanigans, reminiscence and shed some tears. We even partook in some laughter together before she crossed over that bridge to meet the Lord, her recently deceased grandson, Jachob, as well as many other loved ones that she dearly missed.

Mary is survived by her children: daughter, Kathy (Scott); son, Gary; granddaughter, Kalee (Drell); great-grandsons, Caddence, Jaykeob and Nolen; brother, Kenny; and cousin, Orland. 

Mary is preceded in death by grandparents, Elda (Everhart-Nebraska-homestead) and Francis Burt; her father, Verle Francis Burt; mother, Alycia Katherine (Perot); step-mother, Maxine (Butler) Burt; the love of her life, Gordon D. Knigge; her daughter in-law, April Knigge; and her beloved grandson, Jachob Irish. 

Mom would want you to know that she loves you all very much, don't be sad, be happy, remember the memories good and bad, love each other, forgive and be happy! She is happy and whole, with loved ones, and will see you all again someday!

A Celebration of Life was Saturday, January 11, 2025, at the Ignite Wesleyan Church with interment in Juniper Heights in the Sheridan Municipal Cemetery.

Online condolences may be made to http://www.sheridanfuneral.com. Arrangements are under the care of Sheridan Funeral Home.