Dana S. Kuiken

April 6, 1939 - February 9, 2017

Beloved wife, mother, and grandmother, Dana S. Kuiken passed away peacefully at home on February 9, 2017 at age 77. She was born April 6, 1939 in Dodge City, KS, to Orlando and Veneta (Slepake) States. Dana met her husband, Ben, at the University of Kansas, where she earned her B.A. in English Literature and was active in the Pi Beta Phi sorority. They were married on June 3, 1960. In 1969 they packed four young children and a poodle into their station wagon and moved across the country to Fairchild A.F.B. in Spokane. After two years of service and after falling in love with the coast and mountains, they moved to Bellingham. While lovingly raising their children, Dana was also a dedicated volunteer in the schools and at First Congregational Church. Once the children were teens, she earned her M.A. in Education at Western Washington University. She then taught 8th grade at Whatcom Middle School for many years, instilling a life-long love of literature, history, and writing in her students. Dana was a natural and generous mentor to young people throughout her life. She had a special heart for the lonely and different. A gourmet cook and avid gardener, Dana enjoyed spending time with family and friends in Palm Springs, on Lummi Island, and near Revelstoke, B.C. A woman of quiet elegance, she created beautiful spaces inside and out. She was always supportive and deeply loved her family. We miss her dearly. Dana was predeceased by her sister, Sydney Pratt. She is survived by her husband, Dr. Ben Kuiken, four children: Jill Klein (husband Rich), Ben Kuiken (wife Cathy), Jani Kuiken (husband Rick Heilmann), and Julie Arps (husband Dave), and 11 grandchildren: Kurt, Caitlin, Kristi, Aly, Carrie, Samuel, Olivia, Madison, Ricky, Greg, and Ben. A gathering to celebrate Dana’s life will be held at Westford Funeral Home on Thursday, February 16th at 11:00 a.m. with reception following across the street at Broadway Hall. Memorials in Dana’s name may be made to Whatcom Hospice Foundation, 2901 Squalicum Parkway, Bellingham, WA 98225. You may share memories with the family at www.westfordfuneralhome.com.