Barbara Kimzey, 88
Barbara Ann Kimzey, 88, passed away in Kalispell on Jan. 13, 2025, after an extended battle with dementia.
She was born in Fargo, North Dakota, on Oct. 22, 1936, to Frank and Inez Meyer. After growing up in Fargo, she attended Union Adventist College in Lincoln, Nebraska, graduating from the School of Nursing in 1959 as a registered nurse. While working in Denver, Colorado, she met Gerald "Gerry" L. Kimzey, a US Forest Service engineer, while visiting her sister, Carol in Kalispell. They were married on Jan. 16, 1969, in Sedalia, Colorado, in the living room of Douglas County Judge, Calixte "Bud" Hebert, with her belongings already packed for the drive back to Kalispell. They set up their permanent household in Kalispell, where they resided until the time of her passing.
Barbara worked at the Kalispell Regional Hospital for almost thirty years, with her final role as the nursing coordinator for the surgical unit. She was a talented cook, investing time in taking courses for exploring many styles and cuisines, and building a large collection of books and recipes from her efforts. She loved to garden, both for the vegetables and fruits she grew and for the many varieties of roses she cultivated. In retirement, Barbara and Gerry traveled the world but took their greatest pleasure from spending time with friends and family, particularly their role as indulgent grandparents to Katarina and Melanie.
Barbara was preceded in death by her parents, Frank and Inez Meyer, sister, Carolyn (Meyer) Korb, brother, Richard Meyer, brother, Raymond "Pete" Meyer and daughter, Ann Kimzey.
She is survived by her beloved husband, Gerald Kimzey, sister, Frances (Meyer) Sabbe, daughter, Amy Kimzey, son-in-law, Scott Berger, granddaughters, Katarina and Melanie Berger, and a multitude of cousins, nieces and nephews.
The family will be conducting a private funeral service. In lieu of flowers, they request that you please donate to the Alzheimer’s Association at www.alz.org.
Buffalo Hill Funeral Home is caring for the family.