Kristen Marie Dirks

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of our precious

daughter, Kristen Marie Dirks.  Kristen passed away peacefully at her home in

Spokane, WA, on February 13, 2022, due to a pulmonary thrombosis embolism.

Kristen was born in Ketchikan, Alaska, on April 6, 1971.  She spent her

first 2 1/2 years in Nome and Metlakatla, Alaska.  Her favorite memories included

growing up with her adoring younger brother, Dustin.  She especially enjoyed her school

years in Pullman, WA, where she participated in swim team, tap dancing, and ballet.

Kristen graduated from West Valley High School in Yakima, WA, in 1989,

and was active in National Honor Society, Spanish Club, and band activities.

Kristen was married to Don McCuistion in 1992 and later divorced in 2000.

Kristen worked for Orion Foods for 26 years, traveling extensively, including a

month in the United Arab Emirates, and much of the United States as a trainer, and later,

as a consultant in Washington, Idaho, and Alaska, including interesting

places such as Dutch Harbor, Point Barrow Kenai Peninsula, and the

Anchorage and Fairbanks areas.

Kristen was preceded in death by her paternal grandparents, Ray and

Mary Dirks; her maternal grandparents, Louis and Helen Gusick; and her cousin,

Jeremy Dirks.  Survivors include her loving parents, Ray and Paula Dirks of

Spokane Valley, WA; her beloved brother, Dustin Dirks (Freba), of Yakima, WA.

her Aunt Kay Kaiser (Ron), North Tonawanda, New York; Uncle Don Dirks (Joni),

Newport, WA; Aunt Kathy Havard (Lester), Tacoma,WA; Aunt Kathryn Gusick,

Lavina, Montana, numerous cousins, her dear friend, Rita Sellers and her family, Spokane, WA, and

many special friends she made during her 50 years, who remember her as having the biggest

heart and willing to do anything for the people she loved.

In lieu of flowers please make contributions to ASPCA  (American Society for the Protection against Cruelty for Animals): aspca.org

Make a Wish Foundation, Alaska and Washington is: www.wish.org or call 1(800) 722-9474.

A Funeral Service is scheduled for Friday March 4 ^th 11Am at St. Anthony's Catholic Church 612 W. First Street, Newport, WA 99156