MARIE MCKNIGHT HUBER

     There is nothing tragic about an almost 97-year-old woman living a long, fulfilling, and happy life, then graduating to heaven to spend eternity with Jesus. That doesn’t mean Marie McKnight Huber’s life was without troubles and heartache. She lost her husband, Kenneth E. “Chris” Huber, at age 49 and was a widow longer than she was married. She also lost a son, Randall Kimsey Huber, and a grandson, John Huber Vachet. Through it all, she handled life with strength, dignity, and grace.

     She had a tender, gentle spirit and was laid-back and agreeable. She loved her family immensely and truly cherished each child, grandchild, and great-grandchild, never playing favorites.

     Marie grew up in Henderson and later moved to Evansville, where she made lifelong friends at Washington Grade School and later met her husband at Bosse. She eventually moved back to Henderson to attend and graduate from Barrett Manual High School. Marie graduated from Stephens College and traveled to Europe as a gift from her beloved “Granny.” She returned home, married, and supported her late husband, Chris.

     She was a stay-at-home mom to her three oldest children: Marchelle “Shelly” Reitz, Randy Huber, and Lisa Moerchen.

     Marie began working for Simon’s Shoes after Chris died in 1978 and raised Christiane “Christy” Mattingly as a single, working parent.

     Marie taught all her children about God’s love and instilled in them the importance of a strong faith. She taught them to be excellent cooks and hosts and how to care for a family. She also taught them about traveling, gardening, entertaining, dancing, having fun, experiencing life, and appreciating the finer things when possible.

     She instilled in them respect for their ancestors and pride in their lineage. She was very proud to be a descendant of President and General George Washington, General Thomas Posey, Colonel George Reade, and especially her local grandparents, Ben T. Kimsey and Hattie Baskett Kimsey, as well as her mother, Mary Elam Kimsey Rudy, her father, Jack McKnight, and her stepfather, William Tinsley “Jack” Rudy.

     Marie spent the last 50-plus years of her life on her grandparents’ farm, where she planted and enjoyed beautiful flowers, plants, and trees, as well as the many birds and wildlife drawn to her yard. Her family fondly remembers her sitting at her kitchen table, looking out the window and watching the birds and critters, and even the crops growing in the surrounding fields.

     Marie was the epitome of class, poise, and natural beauty, often amazing friends and acquaintances with her youthful appearance—even into her upper 90s. Marie, also known as Mom, Meme, and Mimi, will be missed as she leaves her earthly home. She will be cherished, spoken of, and remembered daily until each member of her family is reunited with her in heaven.

     Marie loved animals, especially her dogs, Flax and Max, and they are now celebrating their heavenly home together. Marie would be honored if expressions of sympathy and remembrance were made through donations to New Hope Animal Rescue Center, to her church, St. Paul’s Episcopal Church, to support its ministry of spreading the Gospel, or to the wonderful end-of-life caretakers at St. Anthony’s Hospice and the Lucy King Care Center.

     Marie leaves behind the family she was most proud of—the legacy she and our dad created.

     Her daughter Shelly Reitz and husband, Scott, have three sons: Chris Reitz, wife Morgan, and their children, Stone, Elam, Twigden, and Ruddle, of Louisville, Kentucky; Brooks Reitz, wife Erin, and their children, Finn and Hoyt; and Ben Reitz, wife Randi, and their daughter, Hattie, all of Charleston, South Carolina.

     Her late son Randy Huber’s children are Taylor Huber, whose children are Sloan and Lane, and daughter Alexandra “Alex” Huber Cain and her husband, CJ, all of Lexington, Kentucky.

     Her daughter Lisa Huber Vachet Moerchen and husband, Todd, have a daughter, Katie Karistinos, and her three sons, Stasi, Athos, and Aris. Her late son John’s wife, Farren, and their two sons, Cole and Cam, are all from Tarpon Springs, Florida.

     Her daughter Christy Mattingly and husband, Joe, have three sons: Warner, wife Alyssa, and Meme’s newest and 15th great-grandchild, Ellis; Reade and his girlfriend, Ellie Shouse; and Meme’s frequent travel buddy, Radford “Rad,” all of Henderson, Kentucky.

     Marie’s family welcomes her friends and all who loved and respected her to join them in celebrating her treasured legacy with love, laughter, and support.

     Visitation will be from 12 p.m. to 6 p.m. Wednesday, October 28, 2026, at Rudy-Rowland Funeral Home.

     All are invited to honor her life at a celebration ceremony at 10:30 a.m. Thursday, October 29, 2026, at St. Paul’s Episcopal Church. Father Richard Martindale and Father Benjamin J. Newland will officiate. Burial will be in Fernwood Cemetery.

     Pallbearers will be grandsons.

     Online condolences may be made at www.rudyrowland.com