Grace Elaine Kittredge

Grace walked home to heaven in the week leading up to Mother’s Day. As a storm rolled in on a rainy Friday morning, she exhaled her last breath and was released into glory. It’s just the way she would’ve wanted it, surrounded by family as her pastor prayed and read from the Bible. Grace loved the Lord and loved her family; she took great pride in all both meant to her.

In Washington state, Grace is survived by the love of her life and devoted husband of 25 years, Paul Kittredge. Her first husband and father to her 3 children, Ricki Muroya. Her daughters and daughter-in-law, Jennifer Thomas and Lisa Muroya & Leah Krieger, and son, Joshua Muroya  along with her grandchildren Charlie, Arrabella, Bishop, Annalise, Hiroshi, Audriana, and Alizabeth. Also by her siblings and their spouses in Pennsylvania, Barbara Wood, Stella Dobritz, Lewis Jr. & Doreen Measel, and Lois & Warren (aka Butch) McClung.

Born the 4th daughter of Lewis Sr. & Grace (McGinnis) Measel in Butler, Pennsylvania, Grace knew her share of struggle and triumph. She was always blazing a trail for others to follow. After graduating from Moniteau High School in 1967, Grace enlisted in the Air Force during the Vietnam War. She received several awards and medals during her service-term as a communications operator and computer programmer, including a National Defense Service Medal. (Ironically, Grace also received 2 Good Conduct Medals, and if you knew how feisty Grace could be you would know what an achievement that must have been!)  Even though nowadays it would be an everyday thing for a woman to work in computer programming, Grace served during a time when computers were the size of a room, and everything was cutting edge.

Grace transitioned out of the military when she learned she was going to be a mom. Being a mom was Grace’s highest calling and an honor she took most seriously. Everything she did she did with her children in mind. Grace’s legacy is one that is marked by her faith and the strength she found in Jesus. With His help she grew a family stronger than most and for that she was most proud. Her legacy will now live on in her children and grandchildren - those that she spent her life pouring herself into. She believed in the impossible and God met her there every time.

Services will be held for Grace on Wednesday, May 18th at Redeemer Lutheran Church, 3606 Schafer Rd, Spokane Valley at 3:30 pm with a reception immediately following.

Please share your memories of Grace on her Tribute Wall.