EAST MONTPELIER: Lois R. McKnight, 97, of East Montpelier, died Friday, February 4, 2011 at Woodridge Nursing Home in Berlin, Vermont. She was born in Marshfield VT on January 13, 1914 to Fred and Ruth (Pitkin) Dwinell. At the age of two, after the death of her father, Lois and her mother moved to North Montpelier to live with her grandparents, Edwin and Bertha Pitkin. Lois attended elementary school in East Montpelier and graduated from Montpelier High School in 1932. She married George C. McKnight on September 1, 1933, and they owned and operated a farm on Quaker Road in East Montpelier. She was employed as a secretary-bookkeeper for Vermont Textiles in North Montpelier for six years and worked for a brief time in the Vermont Department of Motor Vehicles. On July 1, 1947, Lois began employment in the newly created Vermont Department of Public Safety and remained for 30 years. After retirement, Lois and George enjoyed traveling in their Winnebago and belonged to several camping clubs. They were both fond of music and over the years, enjoyed many Friday and Saturday night dances. Lois enjoyed sewing, cross stitch projects and loved her pets. Lois is survived by her son, Melvin McKnight and his wife, Maria, of Plainfield; daughter, Joyce George and her husband Harvey, of Calais; six grandchildren; and ten great-grandchildren. She was predeceased by her husband, George on December 26, 1979. A graveside service will be held at a later date, which will be announced. Memorial contributions may be made to the Vermont State Police Archives and Museum, P.O. Box 809, St. Albans VT 05478. For those wishing to convey online condolences to the family, please visit barber-lanier.com.