Celebration of Life: Kristina Kay Hackwith (nee Flomer)
Kristina Kay Hackwith (Nee Flomer)
Kristina “Kris” Kay Hackwith (nee Flomer) passed away unexpectedly Saturday, March 21, 2026, after suffering a sudden fatal arrythmia of her heart while visiting family in Coeur d’Alene. One moment she was there, and the next moment she was with Jesus. Her last days were 100% full of life and joy in loving her family and the people she encountered, investing her time and energy in what they needed.
Kristina was born in 1949 in Moscow. She grew up primarily in Genesee. During her school years, she was a top student and frequently earned honor roll status. She played the clarinet for a time and was also a cheerleader during her high school years in Genesee. In 1972, she married the true love and partner in her life, Denis Keith Hackwith, in Lewiston. She had two daughters and two sons, whom she and Denis devoted themselves to raising in a loving and caring Christian home. She loved caring for her family in many ways and cooking customized “made to order” meals. She was an expert at using every dish in the kitchen for spectacular culinary delights. She also spent some time working in banking, retail and social services; helping people manage their money or find that perfect outfit or get assistance with utility bills and food needs.
Kris was the type of person that people felt comfortable around right away. Her caring nature was evident in everything she did. Whether she was talking with family or friends, checking in on someone who was struggling, baking delicious goodies, singing in the choir, shopping or simply spending quality time with others, she loved fully and sincerely. Kris particularly enjoyed helping with the Women’s Association and ministries at Congregational Presbyterian Church. She appreciated serving with others and planning the Ladies Tea and other events, always making sure that there were plenty of gluten-free and other unique dietary options at every gathering. In the 1980’s and 90’s, she served in a similar capacity at First Presbyterian Church in Coeur d’Alene.
Her family and faith meant everything to her. She was a fierce prayer warrior, committed to uplifting the needs of anyone and everyone. She wrote down these prayers along with scripture passages and notes about each person every day on every scrap of paper. She loved her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren fiercely and was proud of each of them, loving them each unconditionally and meeting them where they were. Her care packages or cards might have arrived with creative scheduling at times, but they were spectacular.
Kris will be remembered for her generosity, her stubborn strength, and the love she gave freely in thousands of ways without seeking attention. She cared deeply about the people in her life and stayed loyal to them – through the good times and hard seasons alike. The memories that those closest to her hold onto most are the simple ones: conversations late into the evening; preparing holiday meals with each other; watching British TV mysteries, Gonzaga games or Mariners games with her; hugs; keeping up with the latest bluegrass and faith musical hits; cheerleading everything we did; and of course her laughter.
Kristina was preceded in death by her mother Doris Pederson, her sisters Judith Zoellick and Janet Zintek, her stepfather Julian Pederson and her birth father Arthur Flomer.
She is survived by her brother William “Bill” Flomer (retired U.S. Air Force and pilot) and by her husband of 54 years, Denis K. Hackwith (retired); daughters Tracy Jacobs and Toni Hackwith; sons Brian K. Hackwith (Erin Hackwith) and Jason Hackwith (Lindsay Hackwith); several grandchildren (Amanda Jacobs, Travis Hagen, Samantha Bollman, Preston Hackwith); multiple great-grandchildren (Aurora, Bailey, Brayton, Skyler, Kolton); adopted grandchildren (too many to list); and many nieces and nephews and their families.
“But those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary; they will walk and not be faint.”
