We Heart Deer Park organizers have come to the decision that their annual back-to-school event will simply not work out this year. This decision was born of out much consideration, as well as discussions between their lead pastors and school Superintendent Travis Hanson. While they are very sad to announce another community event cancellation, they’re excited to report that they still plan on donating at least 100 backpacks to Deer Park families in need. Each backpack contains important school supplies and non-perishable foods. Both of Deer Park’s public elementary schools will receive 50 new backpacks and the school counselors will handle their distribution. We Heart Deer Park encourages anyone who wants to join the work of local churches serving local families to give online at WeHeartDeerPark.com, and know their gifts will be used to help nearby families in need.
Shirley McRae Passes Away at 91
January 23, 2026
Shirley Eleanor (Kintschi) McRae, 91, of Spokane and formerly Deer Park, passed away on December 3, 2025, surrounded by her loving family.
Shirley was born to Morris Kintschi and Anna (Tanner) Kintschi on April 29, 1934, in Edwall, Washington. She graduated from Edwall High School in 1952, where she met her husband-to-be, John McRae. John and Shirley were married in 1954, and they lived in Redondo Beach, California, while John served in the U.S. Navy. They returned to Spokane in 1955, living on Five Mile Prairie, then at Dartford, and finally in the house that John designed and built in Deer Park in 1976, where the family lived for over 42 years.
