Shelly Denise Knight

Shelly Denise Knight, age 58, passed away peacefully at home on January 9, 2026 after a long, hard-fought battle with cholangiocarcinoma. She was born on September 29, 1967 in Kansas City, KS, the daughter of the late George and Sandra (Luttrell) Ladd. She was the oldest child followed by two brothers, Michael and Joseph. Shelly married Michael (Mike) Knight in 1987 at Sauer Castle in KCK and enjoyed a long, happy marriage of 38 years. During that time, she had two children, Keenan and Kristina. She graduated from the University of Phoenix with a bachelor’s degree in business management in 2010, and proudly enjoyed a twenty-year long career with UPS. Shelly’s infectious smile was the light of any party. September was her favorite month, where she could often be found in Colorado among the aspen trees. During her free time, she enjoyed finding deals while thrift shopping, reading, listening to her music and podcasts, caring for animals and dogs, and spending time with her children and niece and nephews. She was diagnosed with cholangiocarcinoma in October 2023. Shelly fought like a warrior throughout her diagnosis up to the very end, with a smile on her face never backing down from the challenge. She was invited to the Cholangiocarcinoma Foundation Annual Conference as an honored guest in April 2024. Shelly is preceded in death by both of her parents. She is survived by her husband, Michael Knight; children Keenan Knight and Kristina Knight; brothers Michael Ladd and Joseph Ladd; nephews and niece, Ryun, Caleb, Brandon, Raymond, Zachary, and Jolina; step-son, John Knight, and two step-grandsons, Mason and Lucas; four grand-cats and one-grand dog; and many loving friends who will miss her deeply. A memorial service to celebrate Shelly will be held at Maple Hill Funeral Home on Saturday, January 17, 2026 at 12:00 PM. A visitation will take place an hour prior from 11:00 AM - 12:00 PM for those wanting to come pay their respects. Contributions in her honor may be made to the Cholangiocarcinoma Foundation, https://www.cholangiocarcinoma.org/, or to your local animal shelter. Shelly’s humor, compassion, light-heartedness, strength, and courage will continue to live in the hearts of all who knew her.

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Shelly Denise Knight

September 29, 1967 - January 9, 2026