Mary Helen Knight Riney, 82, passed away on Saturday, September 27, 2025, at Baptist Hospital East in Louisville, Kentucky. She was born January 2, 1943, in Cloverport to the late Francis and Lenora Shellman Knight.
A woman of deep faith and gentle spirit, Mary Helen was a longtime member of Saint Mary Magdalene, Saint Alphonsus, and Saint Bernadette Catholic Churches. She dedicated more than thirty years to her calling as a teacher, serving at both Immaculate School and West Louisville Elementary. Her devotion to God, the Blessed Mother, and her Catholic faith guided her throughout her life. She loved cooking, gardening, playing cards, and most of all, spending time with her grandchildren. She will be remembered as a loving wife, mother, grandmother, sister, and friend.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Francis and Lenora Knight; her husband of forty-eight years, James “Gary” Riney; her sister, Beth Smith; and her brothers, George, Bill, and Wayne Knight.
She is survived by her daughter, Susan Riney Guernsey; her grandchildren, Emily, Grant, and Grace Guernsey; her sisters, Rita (Otis) Webb, Marie (Joe) Haycraft, Ruby Davis, Sue (Hewitt) White, and Alice Knight; her brothers, Frank Knight, Don (Bob) Knight, and Bobby (Lori) Knight; as well as many beloved brothers- and sisters-in-law, nieces, and nephews.
The Funeral Mass will be 10:00 a.m. Central time, Tuesday, September 30, 2025, at Saint Mary Magdalene Catholic Church, where visitation will begin at 9:00 a.m. Burial will follow at Saint Alphonsus Cemetery. Care by Glenn Funeral Home and Crematory.
The family offers special thanks for the compassionate palliative care provided by Baptist Health Louisville and Hosparus Health Louisville.
Expressions of sympathy may take the form of contributions to the Diocese of Owensboro – Senior Priest Apartments, or Baptist Health Foundation (Palliative Care Program).
Memories and condolences may be shared with the family at www.glenncares.com