Lois Virginia Kirkwood

Lois Virginia Kirkwood

Apr. 26, 1932 – Aug. 5, 2023

Lois Virginia Kirkwood, 90, passed away on Aug. 5, 2023, at Riverview Retirement Community in Spokane, Wash. Her creative presence lives on in the hearts of those who love her. Lois was smart, independent, artistic, funny, loving, and wise and with so much perseverance.

Lois was born in Spokane, Wash, April 26, 1932, to Olin and Dora James and was raised in Davenport, Wash., on the James's wheat and cattle farm. Lois was the youngest of three daughters and the girls were expected to help with chores on the farm. Lois preferred working outdoors with her father when she could and there weren't many farming chores she didn't and couldn't do. She graduated as salutatorian from Davenport High School in 1950. Lois stayed in close contact with her high school friends through the monthly "Birthday Club" luncheon until just a few years ago.

Lois married her high school sweetheart Gerald (Jerry) Kirkwood, Sept. 12, 1951. She helped her father vaccinate cattle the morning of her wedding. Her beautiful wedding dress hid a big bruise on her leg from a wayward hoof. Their married life began in Davenport, then taking them to Othello and Clarkston and finally Spokane where they lived for the last 53 years. They had three children, Cinda, Calla, and Steve. Lois and Jerry celebrated their 70th anniversary together in 2021 prior to Jerry's death in May 2022.

Lois was a professional artist and innovator who crafted a successful career for herself through years of studying, experimenting, and teaching. She used oil, watercolors, acrylics, and mixed media to create her paintings. Her paintings were filled with texture and layers, like her life, and her art was saturated with color. In describing her work, she said, "Each new painting is a fresh adventure in uncharted territory, allowing accidents to happen and then finding solutions." Her artwork can be viewed at http://www.loiskirkwood.com

At 90 years of age, Lois was still not a quiet, retiring grandma. Lois was a strong, funny, brightly dressed and bejeweled woman. She was a voracious reader, and a talented and descriptive writer. She was a lifelong learner, and always open to new people, new foods, new places and new experiences. She embraced every adventure and leaned into the unexpected. She loved to travel, with her sketchbook in hand while looking for inspiration for her next painting. Lois also loved to entertain. She was a gracious hostess and a wonderful cook, always setting a beautiful table and designing delicious and creative menus. Her parties were legendary. Her family and many friends benefited from her warm energy and loved her dearly.

Lois left behind a loving family and many friends from near and far. She is survived by her two daughters Cinda (Curt) Johnson and Calla (Sam) Rodell, her sister-in-law Helen Kirkwood and brother-in-law Ken Kirkwood. She leaves behind her Grandchildren Jordan Swain (Cliff), Linea Johnson (Josh Koopman), Maja Rodell and her two Great-Grandchildren, Thomas Swain, and Harper Swain. Lois was also close to and adored by her many nieces and nephews. Lois was preceded in death by her husband Jerry, son Steven, and her sisters Lauretta Knopf and Lorraine Shriver. A memorial service is planned for Sat., Sept. 30 at 2:00 PM at the Terrace, Riverview Retirement Center 1801 E. Upriver Dr. Spokane, Wash. Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at http://www.strate-funeral.com for the Kirkwood family. STRATE FUNERAL HOME, Davenport, WA is caring for the family.