Obituary

Louise Helme Kinch, 88, went to be with Jesus, on June 2, 2020.

She was born Nov. 4, 1931, to John Paul Helme and Bessie Myrtle Griffith Helme, in Ritzville, Wash.

Louise grew up in the home built in 1900 by her grandparents, Matthew Elmer Helme and Mollie Benefield Helme. Mollie secured the original homestead in 1895 after moving from Pike County, Ill. in 1889. The family continues to farm the original land.

In 1950, after graduation, she married Rod Kinch. In 1952, after building a home next door to her parents, Rod Jr. was born, followed by Glenna, Amy, Paula and Edie. Louise's nephew, Paul Helme, also joined the family.

Louise was a member of Washtucna Community Church and was the organist for more than 50 years. She was part of the Strolling Players singing group, and her portrayal of Phyllis Diller always entertained people. She was a Mary Kay consultant for nearly 40 years, and she color tinted her husband's professional photos for people. She baked and decorated gorgeous wedding cakes, made jam, canned fruit and vegetables, and was a talented seamstress. She belonged to Progressive Club, was a Lady Lion, and traveled to give her testimony of faith with Christian Women's Association.

As busy as she was, family always came first and she adored all the grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Louise and Rod enjoyed traveling, they became private pilots together, and they danced for many years every Saturday night in Spokane to their favorite Big Band.

Louise is joined in heaven with her parents, Paul and Bessie Helme; her daughter, Amy Kinch; brother Gene Helme, and her nephew, Paul Helme.

She is survived by her husband, Rod Kinch, and children Rod (Karen) Kinch Jr., Glenna Kinch, Paula (Ron) Kinch Sloot, and Edie (Randy) Kinch Cole, along with 9 grandchildren and 7 great-grandchildren.

A celebration of life will be at noon, August 2, 2020 at Bassett Park in Washtucna. Please bring your lawn chairs and join the family with a potluck following the service. Memorial gifts can be made to Washtucna Community Church.