When people die, memories of time spent with that person start to enter your mind more than ever. I like that part. With Aunt Barb's death, I have thought about a lot of things I haven't really thought about in a long time, and that makes me smile.  Aunt Barb was really my great aunt, and great she was. She was always very good to my sisters, cousins and me.  Easter? When we were young, we'd go to her house where she and Uncle Art would have fabulous Easter egg hunts.  Fun. Christmas? Their house was always decorated beautifully for the holiday. Uncle Art and Aunt Barb were wonderful hosts during any kind of gathering at their house, and at Christmas they even had gifts for us kids.  Generous. My cousins, sisters and I were allowed to play wherever we wanted to when at their house. We’d play in Uncle Art’s office, or in Aunt Barb’s beautiful pink bathroom. (We were in awe of that bathroom.) Neither one of them ever made us feel like they were worried we’d ruin something of theirs, and allowed us to play for hours.  Trust.  I remember hearing sounds —coming from the other end of the house— of adults laughing and carrying on while we were playing. Comforting. She and I shared the same birthday, and on that day (April 5), every single year ever since I was little, I’d call her to wish her a happy birthday. She’d say the same back to me.  Awesome. Every year, she and Uncle Art would send a birthday card with a crisp $10.00 bill inside. Barbara Kimble was very giving and thoughtful, fun and funny, loved and loving. The part I dislike is that she is gone. Sad. Thank you, Aunt Barb, for all you’ve done for me.  To have known you?  Honored.

My memories of Aunt Barbara (Baaboo as I always referred to her) provide me with broad smiles and laughter on a daily basis.  She and Uncle Art would have dinners with our family every Friday night in the winter and the summers were spent at their lake place, hanging out on the lake swimming, skiing, and playing countless rounds of cards (especially on those rainy days).  Most recently, Baaboo & Mom would make annual summer trips to Kansas City for week long visits.  They loved trying out new restaurants, seeing new sites and Baaboo especially loved the year we went wine tasting.  The evenings would, of course, be spent playing hours of Euchre.  I will so miss her bright smile, great sense of humor & I'll even miss her sneaking people food to my dogs (when she knew I didn't approve). Until we meet again....

I have many fond memories of Aunt Barbara. Her contagious laughter  and bright smile is what everyone will remember.  As a young girl, she and Uncle Art provided our family with endless subscriptions (more than 10 years) of People Magazine.  I still receive this magazine and think of them with each weekly issue. With the birth of each of my daughters Aunt Barbara and Uncle Art gifts of beautiful baby girl clothes were treasured. Aunt Barbara had a knack for choosing the perfect gift.  Twenty-two years ago at my sister's wedding reception Aunt Barbara was able to calm my 3 month old baby girl and place this soundly sleeping baby directly on the table in front of her- this baby served as their center piece. We laughed about this, and somewhere there is a picture. Aunt Barbara’s tradition of sending Christmas cards of local artists’ rendition of Fort Wayne benefitting Easter Seals ARC Foundation of Northeast Indiana will be missed.  I love you, Aunt Barb. Rest in Peace.

Jim,
Sorry to read about Barb.  You have my deepest sympathy and prayers.  
 Laverne (Spuhler) Scovill

Many years ago I met Barb at the Kimble cottage at lake Wawasee. My father worked for Art and Jims father at the Kimble garage about the time Art went to the service. Barb and all the Kimbles were wonderful people. May she rest in peace.

OBITUARY

Barbara J. Kimble

April 5, 1926 – January 17, 2011

Hockemeyer & Miller Funeral Home

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