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McKenzie Christensen
06/04/1995 — 04/29/2026
From Spokane, WA
Graveside
McKenzie Christensen
Heaven has gained a beautiful soul. McKenzie Lynn Christensen, 30,
passed away April 29th in Spokane WA.
McKenzie was born on June 4th, 1995, in Richland, WA to Gary and
Kathy Christensen.
She spent her childhood growing up in West Richland with her parents
and younger brother Colby. McKenzie attended Gateway Preschool,
Wiley Elementary, Enterprise Middle School and Richland High
School graduating in 2013. She made many memories and lifelong
friendships along the way. McKenzie danced for 14yrs at the Dance
Class and as a Richland High Goldrush member. She was the ASB
President at Richland High School and loved planning activities and
being involved in anything that let her creative and funny personality
shine and made people laugh. Her creative persona McBizz was born
during these years, continuing throughout her life.
McKenzie’s college years were spent at Columbia Basin College and
Eastern Washington University where she obtained her Bachelor of
Science in Elementary Education & Health and Fitness Education in
2018. She later completed her Master of Science in Instruction and
Curriculum from Western Governors University. McKenzie was an
amazing teacher, starting her career in the Spokane School District
in 2019 teaching Kindergarten – 5th grade. In 2021 she moved to
Yasuhara Middle School to teach PE and US History. She was loved
and adored by her students. She was a basketball and flag football
coach, mentor, athletic director, ASB leader and safe haven for her kids.
Students sought her out during the day, their faces lighting up when
she was around them. Her classroom was the favorite spot for lunch,
she always made the kids feel safe, seen and cared for. She created so
many fun ways to engage kids in Science, US History and PE. Making
lifelong lessons and memories for her students. They honored her with
the Heart of Yasuhara award in 2025.
Kenzie lived in Spokane, WA from 2015 until just recently. During that
time, before and after she started teaching, she spent 8 years working as
a bartender/server at O’Doherty’s Irish Grille where she had many like
family friends and customers who she brought joy and they returned
it to her.
McKenzie was a gym rat to the core. She loved lifting weights, Pilates,
her Peloton and playing basketball. Every time she was in town she
made sure her plans included a workout at Gold’s Gym in Richland
where she had worked for several years.
McKenzie was a bright light to all who knew her. She loved finding
special gifts or notes and doing things just to make others laugh and feel
good. She will be missed by so many.
McKenzie is survived by her parents Gary and Kathy Christensen.
Her brother Colby Christensen (Meg). Her paternal grandmother
Gwen Christensen. Loving Aunts, Uncles and Cousins – Cindy &
Scott Parnell (Jaclyn & Stephanie), Gary & Deanna Grade (Sam &
Nik), Randy & Ledeen Grade (Danielle & Josh), Al & Cassie Grade
(Alaina & Adrea), Courtney Edden (Kate & LaVell), Jill Rhode (Daniel
& Dema), Tory Christensen (Kade, Kaleb, & Lauren) and too many
friends to count.
McKenzie is preceded in death by her maternal
grandparents Altorn and Ruby Grade and her
paternal grandfather Christian Christensen. Her
special fur baby Jane and fur brother Griffey are
snuggling her in heaven
I am so very sad to hear about McKenzie’s passing. McKenzie was a great friend to me growing up. She was always so fun to be around and made everyone around her feel noticed and loved. I have many happy memories carpooling to dance together, getting to the studio early and hanging out before class started. She brought so much light wherever she went. She was truly beautiful inside and out and she will be so missed. We will be praying for her family. I hope you are having the most beautiful reunions in heaven, McKenzie.
I was so blessed to know McKenzie and will miss her dearly. She always put others first and often gave more than humanly possibly. Her passion for helping others was a true gift. The students she mentored will never forget her.
Our hearts go out to your family during this difficult time. McKenzie was such a bright and inspiring teacher at Yasuhara Middle School . She will be missed beyond measure. We feel blessed to have had her as part of our community. and it was an honor to award her the Heart of Yasuhara award in 2025. May you find peace in knowing she made a difference in so many lives.
I was ms c student and yea I was stupid and a knuckle head most the time but she always kept me out e trouble she was an amazing person and amazing coach I couldn’t have gotten through school without her and I don’t know what alot of people would’ve done without her but she was the best teacher I have ever had and by far one of them most amazing people I know I cant believe shes gone know and she didn’t deserve to go this early R.I.P McKenzie
Gary and Kathy, we are so saddened to hear about McKenzie. Please know you all are in our thoughts and prayers during this difficult time.
I absolutely loved Kenzie! When I was a freshman @RHS, she a senior, we had power walking class together. She walked and talked with me everyday and I felt so seen by her.
I just want to say first I’m so sorry for your loss. Words don’t describe the hole this leaves with everyone. I had the pleasure of going to high school with her and college. She’s always been so happy and funny. Such a good person.
Im so sorry to hear about McKenzies passing Kathy and Gary. Though I didnt know her personally, I know what pride and joy you carried for her as your beautiful and talented daughter. Prayers for strength and comfort during this time.
Kathy and Gary, we are so saddened by your loss of your beautiful daughter. We did not know her, but can only imagine the pain and sadness this has brought to your family. She looks like a beautiful light in this photo. Please know that Chuck and I are keeping you in our prayers. It sounds like she was such a beloved teacher here in Spokane.
My daughter Khaiya was on the flag football team at yasuhara middle school. she achieved the MVP award. My daughter had many stories about her coach, excitement and pure joy. I have only met mckenzie a couple of times through my daughter. I just wanted to say that this is a very deep loss to the kids. I know she touched many hearts and will truly be missed. the kids loved/love her, her presence was sunshine.
The world has lost a very special person. My deepest sympathy for all of the family.
McKenzie was always such a ball of energy and bright light. I can’t picture her not smiling. She was such a joy to run ASB with at Richland and I will cherish our memories we shared in class and at camp forever. She will always be remembered and missed. Heaven gained such an angel.
Guestbook for
McKenzie Christensen