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Stephanie KIRPES Obituary
Stephanie Dawn Kirpes daughter of Michael and Deborah Kirpes, passed from this life due to a lightening strike on Sunday, 6 July 2008 while enjoying one of her greatest outdoor passions: being on the ocean beach while jogging.
Stephanie was born 6 May 1985 in Great Falls Montana and moved with her military family to several USAF bases until settling down in Woodbridge in 1997. She graduated from Forest Park High School and went on earn a Bachelors' degree from the University of Mary Washington in May 2008. She intended to enter the work force next month and planned soon to enroll into a Masters program to further her education.
Not only was Stephanie our beloved daughter, she was our best buddy and a constant source of fun - our pride and joy in our darling "Munchkie" was endless. Stephanie deeply cared for people and animals - she nurtured and loved her blind cat "Noah" and enjoyed social service volunteer work. She was passionate about the care of those in need, her sisters and family, and the glory of nature, particularly the ocean beach. We thank God for the 23 years we shared with her and will deeply miss her wisdom, common sense approach, can-do attitude, and terrific sense of humor. We will forever embrace and cherish the loving memories.
Stephanie is survived by: her parents; older sisters from North Carolina, Jennifer Ingram, Eva Shew, and Melanie Kirpes; both sets of grandparents from Washington state, Jerrel and Marlene Wolfe and Richard and Irene Kirpes; Aunts and Uncles from Washington state, Mark and Loretta Kirpes, Mel and Debbie Kirpes, Glenn and Irene Wolfe; and many others: three nieces, one nephew, many cousins and friends. Family will receive friends Friday July 11, from 6 to 9pm at Miller Funeral Home, 3200 Golansky Blvd. Woodbridge Va 22192. Funeral service will take place on Saturday, July 12 for 11am at Holy Family Catholic Church. Followed by interment at Woodbine Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers please make a contribution to: the Prince William Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, PO Box 6631, Woodbridge, VA 22195
This obituary was originally published in the News & Messenger (Woodbridge, VA).
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Melanie Kirpes
April 9, 2025
Jason Loveless
May 12, 2021
Many years later, you are not forgotten
Heide Randall
July 31, 2008
Good morning to all of Stephanie's dear family and friends.
I am so sorry for your loss. What a tragedy, and from what I've read about Stephanie so far, it sounds like the world has lost an incredibly special person.
I have to explain how I came across this guestbook ...
We vacation often down in Sandbridge. We were there for my husband's birthday over the Holiday weekend (his birthday is the 6th). We were out to dinner that Sunday evening when we heard the awful news about the accident. Our hearts broke for the family of the victim -- as yet, we didn't know anything about WHO had been struck.
Mark (my husband) had been fishing out on the pier on Sandfiddler all day long, and left just barely after 5pm. He commented when he got back to our camper that the storms seemed very unpredictable that day and that you couldn't hardly tell what it was going to do.
As we learned more about Stephanie, our hearts broke even more. So young, so much LIFE ahead of her, so beautiful. We are truly sorry.
But, again, I said I wanted to explain how I came to this guestbook. It's bizarre, really. My niece, Jennifer, got married last Saturday and I visited her Facebook this morning to post a picture I'd taken. I noticed she'd just joined a group called "RIP Stephanie Dawn Kirpes", and I didn't immediately make the connection. I visited the group and it dawned on me this was the same Stephanie we'd been so heartbroken about. It turns out she and my niece graduated MWU together. I couldn't believe it, and I just had to reach out and let you know that while we never knew your daughter, she will NEVER be forgotten.
We lost our 17-year-old daughter last June, and my biggest fear is that she'll be forgotten. I will make sure that never happens, as I know you'll ensure that Stephanie's memory and spirit live forever.
Well, I'm not sure if there's a character limit on these guestbook entries, but if there is I fear that I've blown it away.
You all have my heart, and my prayers. I wish you peace and strength as you learn to live without your daughter's physical presence. I know she'll be in your heart always.
~Heide
m/o ^Jessica^ (forever 17)
http://caringbridge.org/visit/jessicarandall
Courtney Welsh
July 28, 2008
Stephanie, I knew you since middleschool at Saunders and I always envied you growing up. You always looked so beautiful and were so bubbly to be around. Your smile was contagious and could always brighten up a room. Even after I hadn't talked to you for a few years, if I would periodically run into you, you always remembered my name. I am so sad for your family and close friends but I know that you are shining up in heaven looking down on everyone, and that is how you will be remembered for that bubby smile and that contagious laugh. Keep beaming brightly, that is how you will be remembered.
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Blaire Nelson
July 28, 2008
Stephie,
It is so hard to lose you. It is so hard to lose my best friend. Wow... What can I possibly say to sum you up? You were such an AMAZING person! Always making people laugh hysterically with your crazy antics. Always taking the time to have deep, meaningful conversations that lasted 6 hours! Always willing to make a friend. I remember in middle school hanging out at your house on your trampoline for hours trying to tumble as well as you! (never happened) Smokey island, the mail box, breakfast club, moon ceremonies, our little notebook, John Basedow.... way to many memories to list! My heart aches for your family, they are so amazing and so strong. I know you are watching down over them!
You were the most caring, loving, deep, concerned, intense, friendly, funny, beautiful, hardworking, talented, goal oriented, determined, fun, outgoing, lovely, UNSTOPPABLE person I have EVER known! I am so grateful that I had the blessed opportunity to know you and to love you. You are sooo missed. You made such a difference. I love you Stephski. Thank you for being the best friend I have EVER or will EVER have! I can't wait until we are reunited. What a joyous occasion it will be. In the meantime just keep everyone laughing up there sweetie! LOVE YOU!
Blaire Jolley
Kristen Powers
July 22, 2008
Stephanie,
I am so thankful that I was able to see you one last time, at the Dave Mathews Concert the week before you were taken from us. I hadn’t seen you in almost two years but it seemed like no time had passed. We caught up on all that had been going on in each other’s lives. You were so proud about graduating and all the hard work you had put into your degree. As always you were worried about what the next step in your life would be; you even made my brother and I look over your resume!
We reminisced about old memories from when we first met in 8th grade. I had forgotten how we met, but of course you remembered! You told me that you thought I was nice so you asked me to borrow my hair brush, I gave you a crazy look, and from then on we always joked about how you needed your own hair brush. It’s a quirky way to make a friend but that’s how you’ve always been. I loved your passion and excitement in the way you would tell stories. You could always make me smile and laugh and remember wonderful memories—like our math class with Mr. Adair, “Hear me when I say this…”, and the drama brought about by a note between you and Hector. We had class with the Brown Girl and you helped to make us friends as only you could. You brought dynamic people together because you never judged a book by its cover.
After I heard the news I went digging in my parent’s house for our old notebook—sharing one with your friend at Saunders was THE cool thing, and I felt so special when you brought it to school on Valentine’s Day. The notebook contained letters, stickers, and drawings we wrote back and forth to each other. I read back on all of our inside jokes, guys we liked, and of course our discussions about TRL results and KORN’s “Freak on a leash” :) Neither one of us had the CD because it had explicit lyrics and our parents wouldn’t let us buy it, but we sure did love that video! We’d talk about our weekends, make plans to meet at PDQ after school, and talk about what life would be like in high school; you would cheer because you could do more tumbling and I would play soccer. I have funny drawings and great stories to carry me through these hard times and I will cherish these memories forever.
We’ve been friends for a little over ten years, this year, and I am just so thankful I had you in my life. Selfishly I want you back, but I understand that there is a greater purpose for your life. You were positive, funny, brilliant and beautiful and I know you are shining down on us. I look forward to seeing you again and feel blessed to have a guardian angel like you watching over me. I love you and I will never forget you Steph!
Love,
Kristen
Jennifer Ingram
July 20, 2008
Dearest Stephanie (“Toughkins”),
One of my fondest memories was of my anticipation of you coming home from the hospital when you were born. Your big brown eyes would gaze up at me as I took care of you, and the big smile you’d get when I’d change your diapers (my temporary B.C. (l.o.l.)). Ten to fourteen years later, you were doing back breakers, cart wheels, summersaults, and hopping on the trampoline-gymnastics was your passion.
I sometimes reminisce the time we went camping at Crystal Lake, Montana. I didn’t want the day to end. I carried you on my back down the path we had hiked on. I thought to myself how fortunate I was to be your big sister.
I miss our family Grizzwald expeditions in the Station Wagon with our smelly drooly dog Woody.
You always had an infectious way of inspiring and touching people’s souls. I loved your Kermit the Frog voice imitations you’d do of me saying, “I’m Scared”. I’ll miss our deep conversations of life, school, jobs, animals, movies, books, music, and whatever was on our minds. I’ll miss our times on the beach also.
You looked like a shining star the day of your graduation. I felt so happy for you because you were so devoted to your studies that reflected on your great accomplishment and achievements.
I am honored that I had you as my beautiful baby sister (inside and out) for 23 lovely years.
Until we reunite at the gates of home, I will continue to embrace all the good times and memories we had.
I love and miss you so much!
God bless little sister,
Fer-Fer/Ferfy
Jennifer
(P.S. Your son Noah is in good hands with me and Jennica. He will continue to get lots of love.)
(P.S.S. I dedicate “Sister” by Dave Matthews Band to you.)
Laura Bowser-Brophy
July 19, 2008
I've lost track of time. I remember meeting all these beautiful girls at Irene and Dick's 50th anniversary party. I don't know if Stephanie was one of them. From everything I've been reading, it seems like I've missed knowing a beautiful soul.
My thoughts, prayers and hopes are with you. I can only imagine what you're going through at this time.
Alysia Kirpes
July 19, 2008
Stephanie, its great to see that you have done so many great things and helped so many people and animals. To Mike, Deb, Mel, Eva, and Jennifer, I am so sorry for your loss and hope that you guys are making it through this difficult time. She will be missed by all of us. Love you guys.
Casey Kirpes
July 18, 2008
I, like everyone else I am sure, am also having a hard time finding the words to describe this unexpected loss.
Stephanie was really an amazing person and it seems so long ago that all of the family got together! Wish we could have all lived closer to one another, but I do truly cherish the times that we got to spend with one another.
I also remember the last big vacation we had when we went to the theme park! It was Steph, Alysia, Lynette and I and we had soooo much fun running around riding on as many roller costers as we could. I remember we had to wait in line extra long because Steph wanted to sit in the front and although I waited in line w/ her and road in the front, I can't really remember because I had my eyes closed the whole time!
She was a brave, strong, loveable person and she will be missed! I know that she is in a better place watching down on all of us and we will all see her again! We will never forget her or stop loving her.
I love our family so much and I wish everyone the best they can be in such a hard time as this.
Lisa Frazier
July 18, 2008
My heart goes out to your family. We only knew eachother through other mutual friends, but I am deeply sorry to hear that you are gone. I know that we all have an angel up above looking over us now. My prayers are with you and your family.
Richard Kirpes
July 18, 2008
The picture in my mind is one of a little three foot girl in a four foot pool looking up at me under the water with her big brown eyes and a smile that was her trademark. She loved the water. We now have an angel to watch over us. We miss you Steph and our love will never end. Gram & Papa
Terrie Miranda
July 17, 2008
As being Teresa Machorro's Mom I Would love to express my most deepest sympathy to the Kirpes Family for their loss. Stephanie was one of my daughter Teresa's best friends and more like a sister as well as a daughter to me for the 15 months I lived in Virginia. Stephanie would love it when I got home from work when she was there and I would make her and Emily Chicken tacos. They really enjoyed watching me make the taco shells. It was something new to them both. She really liked hanging out with Teresa, Tanya and I. It was nice having her around. Teresa and Stephaine told me some of the things they did when I was not in VA. and was living in Calif. I just looked at the both of them and thought about when I was young. But you know what they were to young girls growing up exploring and weren't as bad as most girls there age. I will always keep Stephanie in my heart because when ever she called and spoke with my daughter Teresa she always, ask about me and I would say Hi to her and tell her she was more than welcome to come visit in San Diego anytime. Another thing I always remember about Stephanie was the word Crucial always used in her vocabulary. She was a very Beautiful girl and will always be in my heart. Love and Miss you Stephanie, LUv Terrie Teresa's mom
Diane Coleman
July 17, 2008
I am truly sorry to hear of your lose. You are all in my thoughts and prayers. From Richard and Dolores Fischers youngest daughter
Teresa Machorro
July 17, 2008
Ive tryed over and over again to come up with something that would justify the type of person Steph was and words alone couldnt do it. She was by far the best person I've had a pleasure of meeting and having to sit here, and write on her obituary guest book, breaks my heart.
I met her when we were in 8th grade at Saunders Middle School. We instantly became friends and have been ever since. I have so many great memories with her that I will cherish forever but today I will share a few with you. Everyday after school she would come over to my house or I would go to hers .. mostly mine cause my aunt was always at work therfore we had little or no supervision ..WE LOVED IT! Anyways her first request would always be "Can you make me some Spanish/Brown People food" usually a torta, chicken tacos, or tortillas with egg and cheese. Then we would go down to my basement where she would ask me to teach her how to spanish dance. My repsonse would always be "Sure, as soon as TRL is over" she would laugh and say "Oh so your picking that corny show and Nsync over me, I see how it is" We'd laugh and Id tell her "You know it". She always had to call her mom & dad to let them know where she was at but they knew she was with the Brown Girl. She was always so intrested in other cultures so we'd do a little investigating here and there. Usually ending up trying new things or meeting new people. She always claimed to be my long lost sister.
When I moved out to Va from California it got lonely since it was just me and my aunt but Steph was my constant companion. She never let me down on any holiday or birthday. We were together so much that most of the time when one of us was in trouble usually so was the other.
We even got grounded from seeing each other from My Tia Tina (aunt) and Mr. Kirpes. But that didnt stop us, we'd just meet in the middle of the woods, down by the creek, and hang out. Down there we had a log where we'd always sit, i'd tell her about my family back home and she'd tell me about all her sisters. I remember so many times hanging at her place chillen with Mel (one of her sisters) she would always tell us stories ,Steph wanted to be like her a "free spirit" she would say, she loved all her sisters so much and hated that they were so far away. Visiting Eva was one of her favorite things to do, she would always come back with lots of great stories.When Jennifer moved from Wa back east Steph couldnt have been happier.
One night Steph and I were hanging out on her back porch it was late and we werent supposed to be out there but of course we did what we wanted, anyways Mel gets home from work and comes down the stairs, Steph thinks its her parents and doesnt want to get into trouble, so she throws herself down the balcony and rolls down the hill into the woods. Mel and I are laughing hysterical when she walks back up and is full of mud and has leaves in her hair. Im not quite sure how she explained that one to Mrs. Kirpes but I remember she did.
I think her all time favorite memory was one that happend in highschool. She was into a certain guy that I was good friends with, I had told her I would take her to his house, so we could all hang out, but she was way to shy, so she went on one of her investgating trips to his house, I was with her, but I told her I would not be a part of it ,cause I could just walk up to his house and ring the doorbell if I wanted to talk to him. She was all up in his yard trying to see into the windows not knowing he was home. So the next day when we saw him he told her "Stephanie why was you all up in my yard yesterday?? Teresa wasnt even there!" It was the funniest thing ever and actually the last time I talked to her it was something we laughed about.
Another time she called me saying she had an emergency her family dog Sweetie had gotten into the garage and eaten some chemical or something. She was totally flippin out, so I ran thru the woods to her house and we feed the dog milk. Sweetie lived a glorious life until age took her. Im sure Steph is with sweetie & josephina (family cat) looking down upon all of us. It is so sad that her life was taken so shortly but im glad to have met her and spent all those wonderful years with her. It was a previlage being one of her bestfriends.
To Mr & Mrs. Kirpes: I love you both very much and believe me when i say this "She will never be forgotten" Yall were more then just parents to her you were her bestfriends her everything.
Mel, Eva, Jennifer: I know this is a rough time for yall but just know that Steph loved you guys soooo much and would want you to continue living..oh and Jennifer take care of Noah as soon as I get a chance im coming to visit him. and last but not least to
Steph- I cant wait til the day we meet up again and until then I know I have you, a guardian angel watching over me. I love you Steph!
Joanne Hepler
July 17, 2008
Dear Kirpes Family,
I did not know Stephanie or her family. I read about her in our newspaper (Winston-Salem Journal) in Winston-Salem, NC. It saddened me to read of such an act of nature to take away someone and at such a young age...just beginning in life. It also caught my eye because the newspaper article said she was from Woodbridge. I grew up in Woodbridge until I moved to NC in 1982. Reading her obituary, I see that she has sisters in NC. Also, that she had a love of animals....so this stranger, this person who I had never met has touched my life without us ever knowing each other...and I want to say how again, how saddened I am to read of Stephanie. I wish I had had a chance to meet her. Take care and may God Bless.
Richard & Jeanie Fischer
July 16, 2008
We were so sorry to hear of your loss. The thoughts of many are with you at this time of sorrow.
Beth Williams
July 16, 2008
We were deeply saddened to hear of Stephanie's death. May God be with you during this difficult time. Our thoughts and prayers are with you also - from your cousin & family in Missouri.
Deborah and Steve and family Bradley
July 16, 2008
We are so very sorry for your loss.
Michael and Deborah Kirpes
July 15, 2008
Dearest Sweet Daughter,
Thank God with every ounce of our being that you were born into our lives and spent 23 blessed and wonderful years as our daughter and best friend. You are so very much missed by us, the animals, your sisters, the entire family, your colleagues, and all your friends.
The pain is almost unbearable thinking about what could have been but God did bring you home for a purpose that we will forever contemplate in wonder.
We take great pleasure in the fun and loving memories you provided us - with your deep care and love for those around you and for trying to make everything better. You are a bright light in all of our lives whose glow will shine on until we meet once again in heaven.
We miss your loving and impish smiles. We miss you just being there to hug, to hold hands, to kiss, to share our inner thoughts with, to exchange jokes and pranks, to laugh, to cry, to pray, to work on projects, to cook, to do dishes, to have fun, to shop, to go out to eat, to travel, to have small and big talks, to problem solve, and everything little thing else we did that we cherished with you on a daily basis.
God bless you – our pride and love for you will never diminish and your memory will continue to grow.
With All Our Love,
Mom and Dad
Deb Kirpes ( Hall )
July 15, 2008
These are some of the memories I have been recalling over the last week or so.
On one of our family trips to see Mike & Deb & family in Montana we all decided to go to Glacier National park.
Mel, Casey, Lynette & I ( Alysia was not born yet ) had an RV.
Mike, Deb, Jennifer, Eva, Melonie & Steph were in their RV. I think it was a camper over a truck?
I bet Stephanie was not even 6 weeks old?!
Being the good hosts they are at always showing us around when we go and see them, they packed up the kids and stuff and away we went.
Stephanie was all bundled up, warm & cozy. She may have been the only one bundled as we were not expecting such weather.
When we got to Glacier National Park it was SNOWING in the middle of the summer! It was totally fogged in and we could not see anything and I think we went home, back to Mike & Deb's.
I am sure that was Stephanies first camping trip and first time to Glacier National Park!
It is just one of those small things that always stays in your mind even if it does not sound as if it turned out good. It ends up being a life long enduring memory to share with others and put a smile on peoples faces.
On a much later family trip to Virginia when the "Grown up" girls were fed up with the "Grown up sightseeing" Casey, Melonie, Lynette, Stephanie and Alysia went to Six Flags theme park. I think that is where they had the most fun of our whole trip, except the beach house. I still hear about those two things they did.
P.S. I may not have all my facts straight so some of the details may be inaccurate, but I also recall someone, either Mike or Mel calling Stephanie "Tuffie"??
Time & Distance may get in the way, but family is always family.
Love Deb
Mel Kirpes
July 14, 2008
I learned this last week how Stephanie touched so many people with her energy and caring spirit. Everyone we came in contact with was proud of her accomplishments, supportive of the family, and saddened by her passing. I'm glad for the times we shared and shelfishly wish we had more. I know as time goes by we will find comfort in memories of her and know we will all meet again someday.
Lynette & Steve Anderson
July 14, 2008
I want you to know I am thinking of you all and love you very much. Know that we are here for you if you should need anything.
Lyle Suprise
July 12, 2008
May God assuage the grief experienced by your loved ones at this time. Though I never met you, by all accounts you were an angel on earth.
Sheryl Hall
July 12, 2008
Dear Stephanie, Immediate and Extended Family;
I know I met you Stephanie, in person at one point in the last 20 years, as I have been part of the Kirpes family for this long. By the way, I am a sister-in-law of Mel Kirpes (sister to his wife Debbie) Sheryl Hall from Auburn WA).
Even though it was perhaps just once I met you, my heart still feels broken and saddened by this news of your untimely passing. I was just sickened to hear about this awful event which took your young self, talents, skills, abilities and great plans and hopes to brighten and enhance this great earth we live on.
I know in my own heart God must have greater plans for you. He selected you for some reason which I do not know or understand but he seems to have exceptional abilities for picking the best!!
For the family, I too, am deeply moved and touched just imagining the pain and loss you must be enduring and experiencing. You must have incredible strength and love in God to get through it!
Just know that others you may not even know or remember, are thinking and praying for you and all of those you have touched!
God bless you all! Sheryl Hall
Suzie Pires
July 11, 2008
May you soar among the moon and stars, your favorite symbols.
God bless you in the highest light.
Stephanie and Missy
Tom and Edna Higgins
July 10, 2008
Stephanie,
Your visit here with Jessica last year is one of our fondest memories. You not only captured our hearts, you left a memory that we will cherish forever. We will forever miss you.
Shannon and Aiden McGee
July 10, 2008
Stephanie--
I don't even know where to begin. Let me just start by saying that your smile and your laughter will never be forgotten. You were one of the most out-going, fun, and spontaneous person that I ever met. You simply loved life. Thats all there is to it. You adored Aiden and he adored you. Thanks for spending time with him, and when he gets old enough to understand I will tell him all about you. You rocked girl. You will be truely missed by everyone.
My prayers go out to the Kirpes family during this time. I am truely sorry for their loss. Nothing will ever replace Stephanie.
Maria Johnson
July 10, 2008
I can't believe you're gone! I was actually thinking about you the other day wondering how you have been, I wish we hadn't lost touch! I will cherish all of the fun times we had. May God keep you always! I love you girl!
Renee Holder
July 10, 2008
Crossing the Bar
Sunset and evening star,
And one clear call for me!
And may there be no moaning of the bar,
When I put out to sea,
But such a tide as moving seems asleep,
Too full for sound and foam,
When that which drew from out the boundless deep
Turns again home.
Twilight and evening bell,
And after that the dark!
And may there be no sadness of farewell,
When I embark;
For tho' from out our bourne of Time and Place
The flood may bear me far,
I hope to see my Pilot face to face
When I have crost the bar.
By Alfred, Lord Tennyson
The Poetry Foundation
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