Regina Gail Stricklin (née Knight), lovingly known as Regi, age 61, passed away on February 8, 2026. She was born on February 29, 1964, in Carmi, Illinois—a leap year day that reflected the rare and vibrant spirit she carried throughout her life.

Regi was born in Carmi, Illinois and lived for a time in Palm Beach County, Florida, where her children were born and where she developed a deep love for the ocean and marine life. She especially enjoyed visiting Gumbo Limbo Nature Center, supporting sea turtle rescue and conservation efforts. She later made her home in Keller, Texas, where she continued to share her warmth and creativity with everyone she met.

Music was at the heart of Regi's life. She loved singing and dancing and found joy in collecting stones and crafting handmade jewelry.

Some of her most treasured moments were singing and dancing around the house with her granddaughter Riley and gently singing to her grandson Pax.

She also enjoyed gaming as a fun way to connect and relax, spending time playing Diablo II, Diablo III, Pokémon Snap, and Pokémon GO.

Regi had a remarkable gift for turning strangers into friends, always putting others first and making people feel welcomed, valued, and loved.

Regi is survived by her loving husband, Doug; her sons, Grant and Jared (Holly); and her cherished grandchildren, Riley and Paxton, all of Keller, Texas.

She is also survived by her sister Becky Calderman (Steve); her nieces Cassie Kohlhause and Luci Calderman; her nephew Clark Calderman; her aunt Penny Meese (George); and her great-nephew Zander and great-nieces Corinne and Myla, all of Illinois and Indiana. As well as Aunt Celia Gidcumb, Uncle Loyal Knight, Uncle Garrel (Judy) Knight and many cousins.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Bert Knight and Frances Charlene Knight.

Celebration of Life

A celebration of Regi's life will be held with close friends and family at Urban Firehouse, North Richland Hills at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, February 28, following cremation.

Memorial Contributions

In honor of Regi's caring spirit and love for helping others, memorial donations may be made to WomenHeart: The National Coalition for Women with Heart Disease.

Born on a leap year day, Regi reminded us that life's rarest gifts are the moments of kindness, friendship, and joy we share—and her beautiful spirit will continue to shine in our hearts every day, not just once every four years.