Kristen Lucille Kinard

Kristen Lucille Kinard, 70, of Longmont, Colorado, passed away on February 5, 2024. Kristen was born on November 8, 1953, in Portland, Oregon to Lyman and Cora Kinard, who preceded her in death. Kristen is survived by her loving husband, Dennis Coombs, her brother Sam Kinard, and her children and proudest achievements, Aaron Coombs and Alison Coombs (Daniel Martinez), as well as furry friends Wilson, Cassidy, and Bruce Wayne.

Kristen grew up in Colville, Washington, graduating from Colville High in 1971. She attended Washington State University and then University of Washington (B.A. Education 1976), where she met her husband. In 1980, Kristen and Dennis moved to Colorado for what they thought would be a brief hiatus, but quickly fell in love with Colorado’s sunshine and never left. Kristen made sure to return regularly to the Pacific Northwest to visit friends and relatives, as well to replenish her supply of wild huckleberries.

Kristen was very active in her community and an avid supporter of progressive causes. She was a member of First Congregational United Church of Christ in Longmont, where she was active in choir, the Christmas Home Tour, and served as finance secretary, historian, and director of children’s education. She was a leader in Eco-Cycle, La Leche League, PFLAG, and the local Democratic Party.

Kristen was a dedicated educator throughout her life. She began her career as an elementary school teacher. After her children were born, she became a volunteer educator and later a substitute teacher for the St. Vrain Valley Schools. She was also the bookkeeper for the Pumphouse Brewery & Restaurant. She enjoyed gardening, cooking, walking her dogs, swimming, biking, traveling, sewing, genealogy, and scrapbooking.

A celebration service will be held at 2pm on Saturday February 17 at First Congregational United Church of Christ, Longmont, Colorado. Kristen's family asks that gifts be made in her memory to the Alzheimer's Association, Longmont Humane Society, OUR Center, or PFLAG.