Ralph Lee McKnight, age 83, of Verona, Mo., passed away peacefully while surrounded by his family on November 28, 2025, at Mercy Hospital in Springfield, Mo.

He was born October 31, 1942, in Elsey, Mo. to Walter and Elsie (Daugherty) McKnight. 

Preceding him in death was his father, Walter McKnight; his mother, Elsie (Daugherty) McKnight; his brother, Junior McKnight; his sisters, Nancy Blair and Mary Moore; and his son-in-law, Darin Stone.

Survivors include his wife, Ruth (Stockton) McKnight; daughter, Donna Stone of Aurora, Mo.; son, Robert McKnight and wife Debbie of Aurora, Mo.; five grandchildren, as well as eight great-grandchildren.

He grew up in Verona, Mo., and graduated from Verona High School in 1960. He worked for Ducoa LP in Verona, Mo. for 34 years before retiring in 2002. 

As the owner and operator of McKnight Auction Company for 53 years, he was known for his fairness and the lively atmosphere he created at each event.

He was a member of the Faith Full Gospel Church in Aurora.

Services will be held at 1:00 P.M. Saturday, December 6, 2025, at Faith Full Gospel Church in Aurora, under direction of Fohn Funeral Home in Cassville, Mo. Pastor Rex Mooneyham will conduct the services. Burial will be at Clio Cemetery in Jenkins, Mo.

The family will receive friends from 6:00 until 7:00 P.M. Friday, December 5, 2025, at Faith Full Gospel Church in Aurora.

Memorial contributions may be made to Clio Cemetery in memory of Ralph.