Born in Clancy, MT to Michael and Marie McEvans, she grew to womanhood in Butte, MT where she met and married Ed Kirkpatrick in 1941. Most of their married life was spent in Seattle, where their daughter was born. In 1972 they retired from the US Postal Service and relocated to Mission Viejo, CA. After a few years, they realized that palm trees and constant sunshine were no replacement for dear friends and fresh, cool air and they returned to live in Huntington Park retirement community in Des Moines, WA. Mabel continued to live and enjoy her many friends in the "park" even after losing Ed in 1983. In 2008 she gave in to her grandchildren's pleas and moved to the Bay area to be near family. On February 12, at the age of 95, she peacefully passed away in her sleep at her home in Village Green assisted living complex in Gilroy, CA.

She was predeceased by her parents, her husband, two brothers, Jimmie and Clark McEvans, and a sister, Jane Netzner. She is survived by her daughter Joan (Howard) Gnauden, two grandsons, Thom and Bill Gnauden, a great-granddaughter, Alexandria Gnauden, all of the Bay area, a sister, Helen Isola, of Redmond, WA and numerous nieces and nephews. Per her wishes, there will be no services. Inurnment next to her husband at Washington Memorial Park, SeaTac, WA.

Memorials in her name to veterans groups or your favorite charity.