Kathleen Leffel Knighton of Covington, died, on February 2, 2023, at the age of 97. She was the daughter of the late John H. and Hazel Smith Leffel. Mrs. Knighton was married to the late Roy N. (Buddy) Knighton for 59 years. 

In addition to her parents and husband, she was preceded in death by a son Patrick L. Knighton; a sister, Elizabeth Leffel McCormick; and a brother-in-law Thomas N. McCormick; her stepmother Pearl H. Leffel; and stepbrother Clyde Saylor Jr. Mrs. Knighton retired in 1988 as a Deputy Clerk of the Circuit Court of Alleghany County after serving for twenty years. 

She was a member of the Edgemont Presbyterian Church. Mrs. Knighton is survived by a son Larry N. Knighton and wife Georgia of Eagle Rock; a daughter in law Ann Knighton of Ronceverte, WV; two daughters, Kathy K. Massey-Hargrove and husband Tom of Sapulpa, OK and Karen K. Mays and husband Britt of Covington; five grandchildren, Kimberly K. Behrens and husband Kurt of Blue Ridge, David W. Massey and wife Kathy of Kellyville, OK, Jason D. Massey and wife Ashley of Sapulpa, OK, Krystal D. Mays of Forest, and Rebecca Mays Brill and husband Mark of Craigsville; ten great grandchildren: T.J. Seco, Hunter, Destiny, Rylee, Taylor, Stacie, Logan, Ryan, Jacob, and Isabella Massey; a great great granddaughter, Olivia Hess; a step sister Wanda S. Woodyard of Clifton Forge, a niece, Hazel M. Hawkins of Pisgah Forest, NC; a nephew John McCormick of Etowah, NC.; and a couple dear friends Cathy Rowan and Beverly Barnett. 

A graveside service will be held at Alleghany Memorial Park on February 8, 2023, at 1:00 PM with the Rev. Robert G. Moore III officiating and assisted by the Rev. James K. MacDougall. There will be no formal visitation. 

The family suggests in lieu of flowers memorial donations in Mrs. Knighton’s name be made to the Falling Spring Fire and Rescue Squad at P.O. Box 880, Covington, VA 24426 or the Selma Fire Department at P.O. Box 124, Selma, VA 24474. Arritt Funeral Home is handling the arrangements.