Irene Kanne

It is with deep love and remembrance that we announce the passing of Irene Sixkiller Kanne, who departed this life on January 15, 2026, at the age of 94. Born on August 15, 1931, in Gypsum, Colorado, Irene was the daughter of Felix Sixkiller, a coal miner and farmer, and Lena Pinkerton, a devoted homemaker. Proud of her Cherokee heritage, Irene carried forward the legacy of her family and culture throughout her life.

Irene’s early years were shaped by the close-knit mining community of Dragerton, Utah, where she worked in a drug store, a nursing home, and a local business baking cakes for weddings and reunions.

After moving to Colorado, Irene worked at Cherrelyn Manor in Littleton, where she met her future husband, Erwin Donald Kanne. They married on July 17, 1970, and together built a blended family filled with love and laughter. Erwin preceded her in death in 2018.

A lifelong learner, Irene completed the 10th grade and later earned her CNA certification to help support her family. She also attended cosmetology school, ensuring her children always looked their best—her home was filled with the scent of perms and the hum of clippers.

Irene was a gifted seamstress, creating clothes for her children and herself, and even redesigning wedding dresses with her signature floral accents and artistic flair. Her talents extended to the stage, where she crafted period costumes for the Passion Play, and to her home, where she painted beautiful murals and transformed everyday objects with her creative touch.

As a professional artist, Irene owned the Paho Gallery in Castle Rock, where she sold Native American art, paintings, and jewelry. She inspired others through art classes and painting trips to Central City and beyond. Her work was also featured in galleries in Georgetown and Kittredge, and her painted quilts became cherished family heirlooms. Friends and family alike treasure the many pieces of art she generously shared.

A woman of faith, Irene was the spiritual heart of her family, guiding them to Calvary Temple and nurturing a foundation of love, service, and resilience. She was active in several quilt guilds and her church communities, always finding ways to give back.

Family was at the center of Irene’s life. She is survived by her older sister, Emogene “Sissy” Powell and her sons Mark, Brad and T.J.; and was preceded in death by her brother, Edward Felix Sixkiller; her sister Betty Ann; her parents; and her eldest son, Michael Kanne. Irene’s legacy is carried on by her large and loving family: seven children from her blended family, seventeen grandchildren, and fourteen (almost fifteen) great-grandchildren.

Her children include Michael (Kimberly) Kanne, Raymond (Joan) Kanne, Kevin (Susan) Kanne, Stephen Kanne, Derwin (Wanda) Kanne, Teresa (Mark) Kleeman and Amy (Robert) Smith. Her grandchildren include Maggie (Jose) Munoz, Sarah (Gerald) Stamper, Christopher (Amy) Kanne, Erin (Delbert) Lofing, Megan (Peter) Bell, Misty Dawn Shetler, Elijah Kanne, Donna Kanne (Erik Larson), Amanda Kanne, Brenna Kleeman (Orion Miller), Kendra (Ryan) Baudoin, Joel Kleeman, Jerrod Smith, Dustin (Krystal) Smith, Devin Smith (Michaela Macre), James Smith, and Matthew Smith. Her great grandchildren include Lucas Munoz, Augustine Munoz, Michael Stamper, Britany Stamper, Madison Stamper, Andrew Kanne, Kaitlyn Kanne, Isaac Lofing, River Miller, Bowen Baudoin, Wyatt Kleeman, Kier Smith, Sylah Smith, Kainen Smith, James Smith Jr.

Her family tree is vast, and each member was a source of pride and joy for Irene. She cherished every moment spent with her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. Her home was a gathering place for holidays, reunions, and everyday moments, filled with laughter, and warmth.

Her legacy lives on in each of them, in the lessons she taught, the art she created, and the love she gave so freely. Her family and friends will remember Irene for her creativity, generosity, and unwavering faith. She touched countless lives and leaves behind a legacy of beauty, faith, and family.

She will be deeply missed and forever cherished.