Kimberly Marie Clough, 62, passed away on September 23, 2026. Born March 27, 1964 to William Thomas Clough and Delores Louise Gulrich (Hodges). Kimberly’s life was marked by fierce courage, deep faith, and a generous spirit that consistently placed the needs of others before her own. She was a resident of Overland Park, Kansas.
Kimberly was born in Wilmington, Delaware, and from an early age found joy being near the water, especially at Rehoboth Beach, a place she loved deeply. In 1976, she moved to Richmond, Virginia, with her mother and stepfather Leslie Gulrich. At the age of 18 Kimberly came to Kansas City—a move that would shape her life for decades to come.
For most of her professional life, Kimberly devoted her work to nonprofit organizations, guided by an honest commitment to service and a sincere concern for people facing hardship. Toward the end of her career, she served as an event planner for Bishop Sullivan Center, helping raise funds for those in need. In that work, her selfless nature and steadfast integrity were evident—not in grand declarations, but in consistent, practical care.
In her mid-30s, Kimberly moved to Seattle, where she welcomed her daughter, Anna. She lived in Seattle with Anna for five years, raising her as a single mother with devotion and resolve. Later, she reconnected with Mark Ruhl, whom she had met in Kansas City. Kimberly and Mark married in Seattle a short time after reuniting, and then Kimberly, Mark, and Anna moved to Overland Park.
Kimberly found happiness outdoors and in the simple beauty of everyday life. She loved hiking, swimming, and being in nature, and she also enjoyed sewing, traveling, and spending time with family and friends. Her sense of adventure was never separate from her kindness; it was part of how she engaged with the world—fully present, grateful, and ready to share what she could.
Those who knew Kimberly will remember someone who would set aside her own plans to help a friend in need. She offered support readily and treated others with warmth and respect. She stood firmly for what she believed in, with a rare blend of honesty and compassion that made people feel both seen and safe.
After living with a traumatic brain injury resulting from an auto accident in 2013, Kimberly passed away peacefully in her sleep on September 23, 2026. Kimberly is survived by her daughter Anna Louise Clough, siblings Sharon Hunt and Michael Clough, her niece Olivia Hunt-Bardal, grand-nephew Kasen Bardal, nephew in-law Tyler Bardal , step-father Leslie Gulrich, her husband Mark Ruhl and, numerous cousins.
The family would like to thank all those who express their condolences and request that donations be made to the Bishop Sullivan Center (KCMO) or Vitas Healthcare (Donation Form) in Kimberly’s honor. The family will be arranging a celebration of life in Kansas City, tentatively scheduled for March 27th, 2027.
