Kimberley S. Himebaugh

Every once in a while, one encounters an individual whose life was filled with so much love and happiness that it is evident this person lived a life that was truly blessed. Kimberley S. Himebaugh was one of these special people. She spent many years giving and receiving love. In the time she was given, Kim took in so much of what life had to offer, yet there was no greater joy along her lifes journey than being with her beloved family. She was content to live in the moment, appreciating the family, friends and events that brought her life incredible joy. The 1950s were characterized by a strong element of conservatism. Families worked together, played together and vacationed together. Drive-in movies were popular and having a car was a sign of coolness. For Gerald Halfmann and Carole A. (Doerr) DeLong of Mount Pleasant, Michigan, it was a time of celebration as they welcomed the birth of their daughter, Kimberley, on April 27, 1959. The younger of two, Kim and her sister, Kathy, were raised by their mother in Mt. Pleasant, where she worked as a housekeeper at Mt. Pleasant Center. It was said that Kim was quite a stinker as a child, and she paid for it in later years when her own daughter, Amanda, turned out just like her. Kim was a social butterfly in school, and though she had more guy friends than girls, she only confided her secrets to her lifelong best friend, Janet Chapman. Kim was a good student, and participated in cheerleading and volleyball in high school. After graduating from Sacred Heart Academy in 1977, she pursued a career as a Chef, working in various restaurants, including Stans, The Embers Restaurant and Tumas Country Gourmet. Her most recent job was as a Supervisor in food service at the Soaring Eagle Resort. Aside from being a fabulous cook, Kim was a devoted wife to Frederick Himebaugh, who she met at The Embers Restaurant when he hired her to work alongside him as a chef. They were married on May 9, 1992, in the First Presbyterian Church in Mt. Pleasant, and soon became the proud parents of two beautiful daughters, Angela and Amanda. For Kim, being a mother was truly one of lifes greatest gifts. Her daughters became the focus of her life, and she was very devoted to them. And they in turn adored her - she was the awesome-est mom ever. Caring and open-minded, Kim loved her girls unconditionally, never judging them; they knew without a doubt that she would be there for them in any situation. Her most significant advice to her girls was take things day by day. As a family, Kim and Fred took their girls to Mackinac Island just about every year. Disney World had a special place in Kims heart for that is where she and Fred honeymooned, so it was only natural that she shared the magic and fun of Disney with her girls too. When it came to the holidays, Kim, Fred and the girls would celebrate Christmas Eve at Grandma Caroles house, sharing great times around the table with some Kentucky Fried Chicken (original, of course). When it came to her leisure time, Kim enjoyed reading and watching movies; she loved the classics like Wizard of Oz, The Sound of Music, Gone with the Wind, as well as Ghost and Dirty Dancing. She was a big fan of the Detroit Red Wings too. Nothing made Kim happier than to spend the day with her daughters doing some shopping in Midland, just laughing and having fun together! Also numbered to her family was their cat, Brooke, and dog, Dakota. Kim was a kind, caring and compassionate even during her 10 month battle with oral cancer. Even in her most difficult moments, she gave the thumbs up sign to console her daughters in their sorrow. Sadly, Kim passed away on Monday, October 22, 2012, at Woodland Hospice at the age of 53. What gave Kim the greatest joy was sharing herself with her family, offering them the most precious thing she possessed " her time. It is a gift none of them will ever forget. Her funeral will be held at 11 a.m. on Wednesday, October 24, at Charles R. Lux Family Funeral Home, 2300 S. Lincoln Road, with Father Thomas Held officiating. Burial will be in Riverside Cemetery. The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the family. Envelopes are available at the funeral home. Kim is survived by two daughters, Angela and Amanda Himebaugh of Mt. Pleasant; her sister, Kathy (Dave) Ellis of Mt. Pleasant; niece, Tracie (Rolan) Garcia of Coleman and their son, Braeden; and nephew, Gary (Tasha) Ellis of Tennessee and their daughters, Ashton and Carmen. She was preceded in death by her husband, Fred Himebaugh, in 2008. To send a condolence to the family, please visit www.CharlesRLux.com