Rita Lynn Kirwan

1961 - 2025

Rita Lynn Kirwan

May 12, 1961 - May 14, 2025

Rita Lynn Kirwan (Anderson) of Longview, Washington, passed away on May 14, 2025, at the age of 64. Rita was born in Astoria, Oregon, on May 12, 1961, to Carolyn and Rodney Anderson. She grew up in Altoona and Skamokawa and graduated from Wahkiakum High School.

Rita and her husband, Harold "Edd" Kirwan, loved to travel in their motor home. She was a big NASCAR fan, and they attended many races. They also shared a love of the Oregon sand dunes and riding in their sand rail that Edd built. Rita and Edd took many vacations together with her Aunt Annette and Uncle Craig. Rita loved watching her grandson, Lucas (her Peanut), at his sporting and school events. She loved family gatherings, the Seahawks and the many labradors they raised. She worked as a barista for many years and worked at Walmart the last 10 years. She was a proud member of the Chinook Indian Nation and attended annual meetings, salmon ceremonies, and winter gatherings. She longed to see the Chinook Nation receive federal recognition. She was also a member of the Quinault Indian Nation.

Rita is survived by her loving son, Ryan Kirwan, and her grandson, Lucas, of Longview, WA, as well as her sister, Julie Hampson, brother-in-law, Syd, and nephews Tyler and Zachary of Chehalis, WA. She is also survived by her brother, Jim Almer, sister-in-law, Darlene, and nephew Tom of Longview, WA. Other family members include her aunt, Annette Goodell-Wheatley, and her uncle Craig Wheatley, of Clatskanie, OR, niece Alyssa Bowley of Seattle, WA, and nephew Brian Bowley of Reno, NV, as well as many very SPECIAL cousins. Her husband of 34 years "Edd", preceded her in death in 2019.

A service will be held at the Steele Chapel, 5050 Mt. Solo Rd., Longview, at 1 p.m., on July 26th.