NASELLE  Traci C. Wirkkala, 41, of Naselle, passed away on Aug. 16, 2012. She was born July 11, 1971, in Astoria, the much-loved daughter of Donna J. Early of Long Beach and John K. Wirkkala of Vancouver.

    Traci was a graduate of Naselle High School and the ITT Technical Institute. She was a member of the Naselle Congregational Church. In 1989 she moved to Alaska where she worked in the charitable gaming industry until 2007 when she returned to Naselle.

    Traci especially enjoyed her dog, Bubbles. She also enjoyed driving to far away places, taking long walks and seeing natures beauty and wonders. An occasional visit to a casino would always bring a beautiful smile. Some of her most treasured moments were spent with Bob and Dawn Green friends most dearly loved by Traci.

    Besides her parents, Traci is survived by her sister, Karla J. Wirkkala; brothers, John W. Wirkkala and Kevin S. Wirkkala; and her favorite aunt and friend, Annette Boslar. Other aunts include Penny Kramer, Sharon Wray, Sandra Wray and ShaKala Quinn; an uncle, Monte Buzz Howell; nieces, Rochelle Benford, Natisha Cooper and Karinda Cooper; and her stepfather Monte Howell. She was preceded in death by her grandparents, William Bill and Viola Wirkkala and Douglas Wray and Dorothy Howell.

    A memorial service will be held on Thursday, July 11 at 11 a.m., at the Naselle Congregational Church. This would have been Tracis 42nd birthday. A reception follows. Memorials are requested to either the South Pacific County Humane Society or the Naselle Fire Department in care of Penttilas Chapel by The Sea, P.O. Box 417, Long Beach, WA 98631. Her guest book is available at www.penttilaschapel.com.