SHIRLEY ELEANOR (KINTSCHI) McRAE
April 29, 1934 – December 3, 2025
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.
Shirley was an accomplished artist, winning multiple awards from the Tri-County Association of the Arts for her paintings and sketches. She was also a gifted writer, authoring several books about her family’s history and a special cookbook of family recipes. An avid gardener, every summer Shirley’s garden flourished with a variety of flowers, fruits, and vegetables. She enjoyed cooking for her family, including making her own jams, applesauce, and dill pickles from her homegrown produce.
A dedicated sports fan, Shirley cheered for the WSU Cougars, Seattle Mariners, and Gonzaga University. Shirley and John traveled the world together, including trips to Scotland, Switzerland, Amsterdam, Hawaii, and Israel. The family has other fond memories of vacations spent camping, fishing, hiking, and a special trip to Disneyland. Shirley loved spending time with her grandchildren, taking them on walks in the forest, flying kites, going sledding, and reading their favorite stories. She also enjoyed attending their sporting events and music concerts through the years.
Shirley had a strong faith in her Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. She will be deeply missed by her four children – Connie Whitehead (Jerry), Russ McRae (Cherylyn), Terri McRae, and Christy McCloy (John). She is also survived by 10 grandchildren and was greeted in heaven by her husband John, grandson Connor McRae, her parents and five siblings.
The family would like to thank the staff at Fairwood Memory Care and Horizon Hospice for the compassionate, gentle care they provided to Shirley.
In memory of Shirley, the family suggests that donations may be made to The Tri-County Association of the Arts or Grace Church of Deer Park. A memorial service will be held at a later date.
