Kendra Lea Karnoski-Parker

Kendra Lea Karnoski-Parker of Kelso, Washington, passed away on March 5, 2026, nine days after her 50th birthday, following a courageous battle with cancer. She spent the final two months of her life receiving care at Oregon Health Sciences University in Portland and at PeaceHealth Hospice in Longview.

Born on February 24, 1976, in Longview to Jan and Sheila (McBride) Karnoski, Kendra was a devoted mother, sister, and partner. She is survived by her son, Easton Parker; her partner, Jim “Ike” Aichinger, who provided steadfast care during her illness; her sisters, Stacie Smith (Raymond) and Krista Karnoski; her nieces, Madeleine, Lucy, and Millicent; and many cousins. She was preceded in death by her maternal grandparents, William “Russell” and Bonnie (Harris) McBride, and her paternal grandparents, Edward G. and Lucile (Smith) Karnoski.

Kendra was educated in the Longview school system, attending St. Rose Catholic School, Monticello Middle School, R.A. Long High School, Lower Columbia College, and Vancouver Business College, where she earned her Administrative Assistant Certification. She worked as an administrative assistant for John Kruk Architecture in Longview and Portland, spent 17 years with Avnet in Phoenix, Arizona, and most recently found deep fulfillment working for the Kelso School District, where she embraced the role of a proud “Scottie Dog.”

An accomplished athlete, Kendra earned her varsity letter in soccer at R.A. Long and played in adult soccer leagues. She excelled in youth softball, competing in state, regional, and national tournaments in Texas and Tennessee, where her powerful hitting earned her the nickname “Boomer.” She continued playing slow-pitch softball as an adult in both Longview and Phoenix. Kendra was a constant presence at her son Easton’s baseball and soccer games, even through cancer treatments, and she poured her heart into supporting his activities at Carrolls Elementary School, including creating the 2024-2025 yearbook. She cherished family camping trips, reading, game nights, road trips, and crafts. Known for her remarkable ability to solve any technical problem, Kendra was loyal, strong-willed, honest, and quick to light up a room with her smile and infectious laugh. Above all, she was a loving mother to Easton and her stepsons, Nathan and Tyler.