FRED R. MILLER, passed away at home on Jan 14, 2026. Fred was born in Spokane WA, on April 4,1944. He grew up in Spokane attending Central Valley High School until his senior year, graduating from Deer Park High School in 1962. Fred enlisted in the Navy out of high school, spending time in San Diego and Annapolis. He later graduated from WSU with distinction.
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.
Hometown Animal Hospital has been named the 2026 Winterfest Honored Organization, in recognition of years of compassionate service that extends far beyond veterinary care. From rescuing overlooked animals to supporting local events and businesses, the clinic is making a profound impact on the community.
Martha Christina (Wiley) Tripp was born on February 26, 1931, in Shaunavon, Saskatchewan, Canada. She was the youngest of eight children. When she was ten years old, her family moved to Warrenton, Oregon. Two weeks after graduation from Warrenton High School, she met and married Layton Tripp. In 1959, Martha and Layton moved from Kinzua, Oregon, to Deer Park, Washington, where they raised their three children.
Dr. Miriam Dreewes of Hometown Animal Hospital is the 2026 Deer Park WinterFest Honored Citizen for her dedication to the community. We invite those who know her and Hometown Animal Hospital to submit positive stories and testimony via the form to be featured in the official Deer Park Gazette article.
Faith Evelyn Terrell was born to Reuben and Grace (Spooner) Lowry on December 25th, 1929 in Britton, South Dakota. Faith passed away on November28th, 2025 in Spokane Valley, WA at the age of 95.
Faith Graduated from Deer Park High School after her family moved to Washington State. She was the first Deer Park Settlers Day Princess in 1947. She met Robert Terrell and married him on October 5th, 1947 in Deer Park, WA. Together they had three sons Randall, Robert and Ronald.
The Deer Park Kiwanis and the WinterFest Committee are finalizing preparations for the annual WinterFest 2026 celebration. The essential sign-up forms for vendors and competitors are included within this article for easy access. The extensive lineup includes sports tournaments, crafts, entertainment, and the popular Outhouse Races, offering something for every age group.
The Medicine Shoppe in Deer Park is closing its doors permanently on November 28th due to undisclosed circumstances. All patient prescription files are being automatically transferred to Sixth Avenue Pharmacy in Spokane. Patients will need to contact the new pharmacy to update their payment information, as credit card details could not be transferred.
‘Tis the season for packages, but some Deer Park residents must update their shipping addresses to avoid returned packages. This new Post Office policy, which arrives just before the holiday shopping season, adds an extra layer to logistics for those shipping their gifts this year.
A state investigation is officially underway into the City of Deer Park for the alleged illegal use of taxpayer resources to promote a $14.6 million school levy. At the center of the probe is a potential conflict of interest, as the School District’s plans to purchase city-owned land in the near future hinge on the levy’s passage.