Minnie "Mickey" May Kirkpatrick

Minnie May “Mickey” Kirkpatrick, of Longview, WA, passed away peacefully on August 25, 2024, one day after her 95th birthday. She was preceded in death by her beloved husband of 73 years, Dr. Wendell C. Kirkpatrick, and her eldest son, Bill Kirkpatrick. She is survived by her children Dr. Steven Kirkpatrick (Melinda), Nan Dodson (Michael), Dr. Jeffrey Kirkpatrick (Debbi), and Dr. Donald Kirkpatrick (Jody). Also surviving her are 10 grandchildren and 8 great grandchildren. Mickey was born at home near Edgewood, Iowa on August 24, 1929 to Earl Jackson Nading and Flossie May Rossow. Growing up during the depression meant hard work was required by everyone, but the family farm always provided plenty of food. Mickey was responsible for looking after younger sisters while her mother worked on the farm. By the age of 11, she was cooking full meals while also doing many of the household chores. She attended a one room school house and remembered a home without electricity or indoor plumbing. Caring for an ill sister, who died at age 9 of rheumatic fever, plus having her appendix removed, piqued her interest in nursing. After graduating from high school, she attended St. Luke’s Methodist Hospital School of Nursing in Cedar Rapids, Iowa. It was there her fellow classmates renamed her “Mickey”. While in St. Louis for special psychiatric training, she met her future husband. Wendell was in medical school and while waiting for his date at the nurses’ dorm he noticed Mickey. He discovered her name and placed a call soon after, asking her out on a blind date. To her own surprise, she agreed! After an evening of playing ping pong at his fraternity, followed by Sunday church service 2 days later, and he was smitten. It took her a little longer to decide he was “the one”, but within 18 months, they married. So began a truly loving union that was an inspiration to all who knew them. While Wendell finished his medical training, Mickey supported him working as an RN. In 1952, they moved to Longview, WA for Wendell to open a private medical practice with his brother. The couple had always wanted a large family, and soon the first of 5 children arrived. Mickey was the kind of mother every child longed for. Her kids adored her, benefiting from her gentle touch, firm guidance, and enduring love. With 5 children, life was hectic, but she managed to keep everyone safe, organized and happy. Her nursing skills were used more than a few times as she cared for her own kids and their friends, too. She taught Sunday school, was Den Mother for many scout groups, hauled kids to sports practice and music lessons, and prepared delicious home cooked meals. Warm cookies were often waiting for the kids when they returned from school. She was a great sport, learning to swim, snow ski, and play tennis right along with the rest of the family. She and Wendell could not have created a more perfect experience of childhood for their kids. Raising her children to be happy, successful adults lead to the coveted role of “Grandmother”. All of her grandchildren benefitted from growing up in her loving embrace. She had a unique ability to make every child feel special. Each carries with them treasured memories of their time spent with this remarkable woman. As great grandchildren began arriving, she delighted in watching their journeys through many revolving photos shared on her digital picture frame.

Mickey had a servant’s heart. As a member of Longview Community Church for over 70 years, she was one of the church’s first female deacons. She also dedicated herself to Ruth Circle and

for years was very active as a lay counselor and pastoral care visitor at St. John’s Hospital. The magnitude of the difference she made in others’ lives in these activities was revealed to her family after her death in the volumes of “Thank You” notes she had received and saved. Membership in PEO Chapter EC, a philanthropic Women's group, volunteering at the local blood bank, and delivering entire home cooked holiday meals and gifts to families in need were just a few examples of her giving heart. Mickey was always in service to others while also supporting her husband and family. When Wendell retired, they moved to a home they had built on Silverlake. Mickey finally had time to pursue her passion for gardening. She conquered acres of blackberry bushes, creating a lush, flower-filled landscape. Every window of the house looked out to a lovely, colorful scene that she had carefully sculpted. Gardening was her “play time”, providing the opportunity to commune with nature and talk to God. As physical changes with age kept her from her favorite pastime, she was still able to look out and enjoy the fruits of her labors. Wendell and Mickey loved to entertain guests, hosting relatives and friends for the day or a week. Delicious meals, especially desserts, were always served on a beautifully set table. Mickey was known for her excellent pies and Wendell was always happy to sample them for her! Mickey was a quiet, dignified, gentle woman who cherished family, friends, and old traditions. She collected cut glass and antiques, liked to set a “pretty table”, enjoyed old fashioned manners, writing letters, gardening, and reading by the fire. She was most happy when Wendell was by her side. Her family was her dearest possession. A woman of deep faith, she quietly lived her truth. Mickey gave glory to God in all her endeavors. One of her favorite biblical passages was “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me” (Philippians 4:13). She believed living by example was the best way to share her faith. Those left behind will miss her beyond measure, but rejoice that she is now reunited with her beloved husband and eldest son. We can imagine the Lord welcoming her into heaven with the praise “Well done my good and faithful servant!”.

A recording of the June 2024 Celebration of Life Service for Wendell and Mickey may be viewed on You Tube under Longview Community Church. Private interment will take place in the Spring. Remembrances may be made to Broadway House or Lower Columbia School Gardens.