Vance A. Kimball

August 10th, 1940 - August 7th, 2020

Vance's Memory Wall

We encourage you to share your most beloved memories of Vance here, so that the family and other loved ones can always see it. Share your favorite stories or comment on those shared by others.

So sorry to read in the paper of Vance's passing. The last time i saw him was at Culverts - again i made the silly mistake of trying to help him with his drink - nope i got it he, said. I look up to him because even though I was in pain it could not be any more then what Vance was going thru and he ALWAYS had a cheerful disposition. Thank You Vance for showing me the honorable way to live with medical problems. Rest in beautiful peace.

Pam Whitehead

August 15th, 2020 at 10:58am

Gary - I was so sorry to hear of Vance's passing. I always looked forward to hearing from him - he definitely had his opinions to share with me !! Our last contact was on July 30, when he wished me a happy birthday. I will certainly miss hearing from him but find comfort in knowing he is no longer in pain. This picture was taken at my home on April 29, 2000, the day I first met Vance & Janice. Your family will remain in our thoughts, Josh & Lori Esterle

Lori Esterle

August 11th, 2020 at 5:07pm

Bonnie (Tiefenbach) Simmelink I have so many fond memories of Vance,knowing him a little in school as I graduated a year later but then at Whirlpool R&E. He did anything for anybody all you had to do was ask. We talked daily, went to lunch now and then, knowing he was in terrible pain but you never knew it, he never complained. If I even mentioned something for my job or whatever, he had it the next day, he truly was a dear friend and I will remember him always .

Bonnie Simmelink

August 11th, 2020 at 11:23am

I am so sorry to hear of Vance Kimball's passing. Though I don't believe I ever met him, I knew of him because his parents and my grandparents, Clovis and Marge Boyersmith, were good friends. I have photos of not only his parents but also of Vance and Janice as small children, playing with my teenage mother, Ruby. My mother, Ruby Reber, passed away just this May and I've inherited her photo albums. You have my sincere condolences. Janet (Reber) Marsh, Kansas City, MO.

Janet Marsh

August 10th, 2020 at 4:01pm

I wanted to just take a minute to thank everyone who befriended or helped my dad over the years. The disease he had took so much from him, but he was a true warrior and as tough as nails. I don't believe many men could have endured what my dad endured. Those who knew him knew that he was fiercely independent, rarely seeking help from others. Even so, I know he had many friends who did many things for him throughout his terrible 50-year struggle. I can't acknowledge them all (you know who you are), nor can I repay them, but I can say thank you. I appreciated every kind act. And I know dad did, too. My dad once wrote in his Family Tree papers that his worst two days were when his infant daughter (Tracey) died and the day (in 1970) he was diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis. I think my worst day, just two days ago, beat both of those events combined. I talked to my dad on the phone nearly every single day (including the day he died). I just lost an enormous part of my life. I'm not capable of putting into worlds how much I already miss him, but I know his body couldn't take the pain and deterioration any longer. I am truly thankful that he is no longer suffering and his soul finally gets to rest. In those same documents, he wrote that he felt his disease kept him from being much of a father as his kids grew. While it is true it prevented him from engaging in many physical activities early in my life, he more than made up for it in later years. He turned out to be a role model any son would be proud of, and I wouldn't have traded him for any dad in the history of the world. If you have memories with my dad, please share them. This is a very tough time right now. Hearing from people who knew him may make it easier. Again, I thank you all. Gary Kimball ------------------- P.S. My dad didn't want any public memorial events (he always hated imposing on others) and my sister and I are honoring his wishes. He will be cremated and his ashes scattered at a later date in a location yet to be determined. P.P.S. If you are able and so inclined, please leave a donation (any amount makes a difference) with the Arthritis Foundation (www.arthritis.org) in my dad's name. There's a big "DONATE" button on the top of that page. They've been working for a long time to try to ensure people don't have to endure a lifetime of pain like my dad did. I pray they end that terrible disease soon.