Gwen McKnight, 94, of Perryton, Texas passed away Wednesday, September 9, 2026 in Perryton. Viewing will be Friday, September 11, 2026 from 9:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. and Saturday, September 12, 2026 from 9:00 a.m to 1:00 p.m. at Boxwell Brothers Funeral Home in Perryton. A graveside service will be held Saturday, September 12, 2026 at 2:00 p.m. at Ochiltree Cemetery in Perryton, Texas. Arrangements are by Boxwell Brothers Funeral Home, Inc. of Perryton, Texas.

Gwen was born on November 5, 1931 in Modesto, California to Clifton Sanders and Bessie Autrey Sanders. She married her husband, Bill McKnight, on November 25, 1968 in Booker, Texas. She was the first female police officer and deputy for Perryton, Texas and Ochiltree County. She also started Toys for Tots in Perryton.

Gwen is survived by three sons, H. L. Ratcliff, Jr. and wife Janie, of Irving, Texas, Robert M. Ratcliff and wife Cody, of Hasty, Colorado, and Randy Ratcliff of Lamar, Colorado; six grandchildren; and thirteen great-grandchildren; and nine great-great-grandchildren.

Gwen was preceded in death by her parents, Clifton and Bessie Sanders; and her husband, Bill; and one great-granddaughter, Baylee Ratcliff.

The family requests memorials be to Toys for Tots, P. O. Box 252, Perryton, Texas, 79070.