Obituary of Laine Helen Kinney

On Wednesday November 23rd, Laine Helen Kinney, loving mother of four children, passed away in Berthoud, CO at the age of 89.  There is suspicion she died while climbing Longs Peak when she stumbled, and her oxygen tank crushed her.  Laine was born on July 20, 1933, in Sioux City, Iowa to Bill Diones and Viola Diones Kazos.  After high school graduation she spent a year in Greece where Queen Fredericka gave her an audience.  Well, that was not true, but Laine met relatives whom she revisited in later years.  She attended Augustana College, Sioux Falls, SD where she dazzled the football team (another lie).  She wrote for the school newspaper and was on the debate squad.  She also attended Morningside College where she met Franklin W. (Red) Kinney.  She loved his wry sense of humor; he thought she was funny, so they got married in 1954.  Then it wasn't so fun when those babies kept appearing along with Red's fraternity brothers.  Red dragged her kicking and screaming through 3 states with Loveland, CO becoming their permanent home.  They skied, golfed and partied a lot; the kids had to raise themselves.  

Laine started a design business which took off once the Dr. operated on her eyes.  Somehow, she managed to solo in an airplane and passed tests to receive a private pilot’s license.  She was crushed when flying commercial that her offers to help were declined by the Captain because her license said "single engine land".  Three of the jet engines would have to go out before she could take over.  

Laine spent semi-retirement in Denver, then Sun City Grand in Surprise, AZ.  She was active in social & learning groups while continuing to help with remodeling homes. Many clients became her friends. She loved traveling overseas, especially Greece with family. But most of all she loved her family!

She is survived by sons Kraige Kinney (Jann), Kevin Kinney (Lori) daughters Mary Kinney, Molly McGinn (Dan) and 5 Grandchildren.  Listed in birth order and not upon whom she spent the most money: Charissa Kinney, Danny McGinn, Meredith Kinney, Megan McGinn and Annabelle Kinney.  Also, brothers Don Diones, Nick Kazos and Alexis Kazos.  She is predeceased by her infant son Gerard Joseph, parents, sisters Willie, Cleo and Katie, and brother George.

Laine was a member of St. Haralambos church, Peoria, AZ and St. Spyridon Greek Orthodox Church in Loveland, CO.  Contributions may be made to either church in her name. 

Funeral service Friday, Novemeber 25, 2022 at 11:00am at Saint Spyridon Church (807 W. 29th St. Loveland, CO 80538). Burial is Wednesday, November 30, 2022 at 1:00pm at Loveland Burial Park. Community wide reception/memorial/MEAL on Friday December 2, 2022 at 12:00pm at Saint Spyridon Church in Loveland.