Ronald Glenn Knight, 71, of Las Cruces, New Mexico, passed away on February 26, 2026. Known to his family and friends as Duke. Duke was born on November 13, 1964, in Leavenworth, Kansas. He is preceded in death by his parents Glenn and Lois Knight and Sara’s daughter Dyana Pirtle. Duke is survived by his wife Sara. Sara’s sons Charles Pirtle and his wife Jessica. Ethan Pirtle and his wife Sarah. Duke’s son Cameron Knight and his wife Jennifer. His sister Connie Walsh and her husband Matthew of Rio Rancho, NM. His brother Larry Knight and his wife Cathy of La Grange, GA. And his younger sister Sally Knight and her partner Susan Entrop of Roswell, NM. Poppa Duke as he was lovingly known, and Sara, have 7 grandchildren. Guin, Robby, Sami, Layla, Lucas, Wayne, and Eli.

He and his family moved to Silver City, New Mexico in July 1966. This is where his love for the Gila Wilderness and fishing began. Duke graduated from Silver City High in 1973. He married Diedre Kauffman in December 1977. They have a son, Cameron Glenn Knight of Cincinnati, Ohio. Duke received his Bachelors degree from Western New Mexico University in December 1991. He also earned a Certificate of Merit for Outstanding Academic Achievement. Duke worked as an accountant for 25 years before retiring in 2016. Duke married Sara Swann, May 31. 2000 and they had just celebrated their 25th Anniversary this past May.

Duke will be remembered for his good nature, his generosity and his kindness most of all. Duke had traveled to China for work and would often talk about the many things he had seen and experienced while he was there. His love of adventure would lure him out of the desert and into the mountains as often as possible with activities that included camping, fishing, 4-wheeling with friends and exploring the great outdoors. Over the years he served as the President of the Las Cruces 4-Wheel drive club for 2 years and also as the Chairman of the Las Cruces 4-Wheel Drive Chile Challenge for 2 years. His greatest joy was to take the grandkids and show them all the wonderful places he had discovered.

At a later date Duke’s family will take his ashes and return him forever to the mountains and lakes he loved so much. No services are planned at this time.