Selene Denise Knuth was born in Valentine, Nebraska, on August 17, 1961, to Jerry and Joan (Hoffman) Knuth. Jerry and Joan studied the Bible at Grace Lutheran Church, and became members of that fellowship in March of 1962. On April 22 of that year, Selene and her two older sisters, Sherry and Terry, were all baptized into God’s family.
“In fact, you are all sons of God through faith in Christ Jesus. Indeed, as many of you as were baptized into Christ have been clothed with Christ,” Galatians 3:26-27 EHV.
After studying the Bible in catechism class, Selene was later confirmed in the faith on May 25, 1975, in a class of five confirmands.
After graduating high school in Valentine, Selene sought an education in veterinary medicine at Chadron State College. Selene loved animals, and wanted to work with them. Over the years she had a pet snake, a mouse, and a Husky named Hutch.
After pursuing her veterinary education for a time, she moved east to care for cattle on ranches near Gregory, SD. After that she moved back to Valentine.
As the years ticked by, Selene’s heart health grew worse and she was no longer able to work. She moved back in with her parents, where she remained for the final decade or so of her earthly life.
Along the way, the same God who had brought Selene into this world, blessed her with three children of her own (Bobby, Denise, and Kirk). In time, the LORD blessed her with grandchildren as well.
“God of my father … I am not worthy of even a bit of all the mercy and all the faithfulness that you have shown to your servant … You said, ‘I will surely do good for you...,’” Genesis 32:9-12 EHV.
It was in the final years of residing with her parents that the LORD turned the heart of this child back to his sure promises. Selene had separated herself from the church in years past, but now she renewed her study of God’s Word and openly talked about Christ as her Savior from sin.
“As a shepherd searches for his flock when his sheep that were with him have been scattered, so I will search for my flock and rescue them from all the places where they were scattered on a day of clouds and thick darkness,” Ezekiel 34:11 EHV.
This past February, Selene had a health emergency and was taken for treatment to Monument Health Rapid City Hospital in South Dakota. In May, she returned to that hospital and was diagnosed with inoperable terminal lung cancer. Aaron Ude, pastor of Good Shepherd Lutheran of Rapid City, visited Selene numerous times in her final weeks. His thoughtful devotions and strong singing drew her mind back to her Savior, Jesus. Selene was very thankful for Pastor Ude’s ministry.
In the early morning of June 5, 2026, Selene was called out of this world of sin and into the presence of the Savior who redeemed her by his blood.
“In him we also have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, in keeping with the riches of his grace,” Ephesians 1:7 EHV.
Selene was preceded in death by her sister Sherry (Knuth) Mallory, grandparents Vera and Bill Knuth; and grandparents Eva and Walter Hoffman.
Still in their time of grace are her children Bobby Belt, Denise Belt, and Kirk Williams, three grandchildren, parents Jerry and Joan Knuth, sister Terry (Mark) Kalblinger, and many relatives.
We praise the LORD Jesus for being a Shepherd who seeks the lost. We thank him that his pursuit is stronger than our wandering. God bless all that they might trust in his mercy and respond to his call. Amen.
The Victory Service of Selene Denise Knuth will take place at 10:00 a.m., Saturday, June 20, 2026 at Grace Lutheran Church, 810 West 3rd Street, Valentine, NE.
Memorials donations may be made in Selene’s name to Grace Lutheran School, 810 West 3rd Street, Valentine, NE, 69201.
Cards of sympathy can be sent to 626 N. Hall Street, Valentine, NE, 69201.
Interment will take place at a later date.
