In Loving Memory Of 

Helen Lois Traaen 

     Helen Lois Traaen was born in Seattle on January 10, 1926, the second of six children. She passed peacefully on July 5, 2026, in Spokane Valley. She was preceded in death by her husband of 55 years, Norman J. Traaen, her oldest daughter, Norma Lee Kirkingburg, and infant great-great-grandson, Levi Denham.

     Helen was an artist. She enjoyed oil painting, crocheting, sewing, square dancing, making music (she played the concertina and taught her children to harmonize), cooked lovely meals from scratch, and gardened.

     Her surviving family includes daughters Patty Walden (Carl) and Judi Perkins (Mike), son in law, Keith Kirkingburg, eight grandchildren, 20 great-grandchildren, and 16 great-great-grandchildren, her brother Russel Evans, and many nieces and nephews.

     Norm and Helen owned and operated Traaen Auto Parts. After their retirement, they enjoyed their “happy place” on Waitts Lake. We miss you, Grandma Sweetheart, also known as Aunt Traaen.

     A memorial service is planned for August 22, 2026, in the Mistequa Casino Hotel's conference room at 11:00 a.m. Light refreshments will be provided.