Winona “Winnie” Pauline (Rattie) Kuhn, 91, passed away peacefully on Feb. 12, 2023, after a brave and lengthy battle with breast cancer.
Winnie spent most of her adult life as a resident of Spokane, Washington. However, her heart never left her hometown of Aberdeen, Washington.
She was born July 13, 1931, to Frank and Margaret Rattie. Winnie grew up in the local grocery store her parents owned while attending Aberdeen High School and Grays Harbor Junior College. During this time, she met her husband, Gil Kuhn, a local boy, and moved to Spokane to start a career that distinguished her from the rest.
Thus, “Winnie the Waitress” was born.
She was a determined, hard-working woman who “served” at the Matador Club and the Empire Club. All those she engaged with felt her outgoing personality and gift of gab, which affectionately landed her the childhood nickname “Gabby.”
Upon her retirement, she focused all her attention on her seven grandchildren: Jenny and Jared Kuhn, Mallory Gartz Kuhn, Jamin Kuhn, Amanda Kensok Garbarino, Ryan and Kristen Kensok. She was a fun, energetic, adventurous grandmother who took her granddaughters on trips and attended sporting events for her grandsons, dance competitions, and band concerts.
To say Winnie was an avid sports fanatic would be an understatement. She was a season ticket holder for Washington State Cougar football and never missed a Mariners baseball game. Winnie loved her sports section of the newspaper, never turned down a trip to the casino, and always had crocheting needles in hand. She had an infectious smile, warm eyes, and a personality bigger than life.
She was lucky to have four grand grandchildren: Wyatt and Holly Gartz and Anna and Alexa Garbarino, some referred to her as Grandma Pooh; she loved Winnie the Pooh.
Winnie and Gil have three children, Gary (Karen), Gene (Ivy), and Wendy Kensok (Jim), all residents of Spokane, Washington. Winnie is preceded in death by her loving parents, 10 siblings, and husband, Gil.
We want to thank Hospice House of Spokane, all the nurses, social workers, and adjunct staff. Your unwavering kindness and support enabled the family to navigate a difficult time. A viewing was held Thursday, Feb. 16, at Hennessey Funeral Home & Crematory in Spokane and a funeral services was held Friday, Feb. 17, also at Hennessey Funeral Home & Crematory, followed by burial at Holy Cross Cemetery in Spokane.
To leave an online condolence to Winnie’s family, please visit our website at www.HennesseyFuneralHomes.com.
