Marjorie Kimball

Marjorie Kimball, devoted wife, mother, grandmother and great-grandmother, passed away peacefully in her Derby home at the age of 95 on August 3, 2013.

Marjorie grew up in Piedmont, Oklahoma, the eldest daughter of Juanita and William Otis Fry. She was a great influence on her younger sisters, Joy and Willa. She spoke often of playing on the nearby creek, fishing, and attending the Piedmont school. She loved to read and spoke very highly of the teachers and the education she received. Her enthusiasm led to her service on the board of the Derby Library for many years, including chairman, and a consistent “yes” vote for every Derby school bond issue. She encouraged all her family in their educational pursuits.

She married Les Kimball in September, 1937, in El Reno, OK, and made their first home in Piedmont. After the birth of Alan and Philip, they moved to Wichita, KS. Les was drafted after the birth of Steve in 1943. Marjorie raised the three boys during his time in the service and after WWII, they returned to Wichita and settled in Hilltop Manor.

In 1954, the family moved to Derby, KS and Marjorie started her career with the Derby post office. Les’s job with JI Case provided them with the opportunity to travel the world before his retirement. Marjorie retired in 1975 and enjoyed time for fishing, camping, reading, and playing cards. She enjoyed vacationing with her children and families in Steamboat Springs, CO and later, Eugene, OR. She was a charter member of the Woodlawn United Methodist Church and volunteered at their thrift shop often. She also supported the Derby Recreation Commission’s various programs. Marjorie especially enjoyed playing cards with her friends in Derby for as long as her health permitted. Throughout her long life, she faithfully supported a wide variety of philanthropic and environmental causes.

The greatest joy of her life was her family. She is survived by her eldest son, Alan of Eugene, OR and his daughter and her husband, Mary and Forrest Moyer, their daughter, Maddie, all of Eugene. Alan’s son and his wife, Will and Jennifer Kimball of Anchorage, AK, their children, Murphy and Sophie. Her middle son and his wife, Philip Kimball and Jennifer Brown, of Lawrence, KS, their daughters, Corinna Kimball-Brown of Portland, OR, and Lauren Kimball-Brown of Quincy, MA with Thomas Duncan. Youngest son, Steve and his wife, Sally of Belle Plaine, KS, their son, Rich; daughter, Robin with ex, Jodi Ziesemer of Jackson Heights, NY. Marjorie’s youngest sister and her husband, Willa and Gene Gill of Ferndale, WA. Her sister-in-law, Lois Kimball Bestgen of Cameron, MO. Marjorie has many beloved nieces and nephews throughout the country.

Preceding Marjorie in death were her husband Les, sister Joy Parker Richards, brother Harold Fry, and daughter-in-law Martha Kimball.

Memorials may be made in Marjorie’s name to the following organizations:

-Heartland Home Health Care and Hospice, 3210 W. Kellogg, Wichita 67213

-Kansas Humane Society, 3313 N. Hillside, Wichita 67219

-Derby Public Library, 611 N. Mulberry, Derby 67037

-Bartlett Arboretum, P.O. Box 871 Belle Plaine, KS 67013

-Eagle Valley Raptor Center,927 N. 343rd St. W. Cheney, KS 67025

-The Kansas Food Bank, 1919 E. Douglas, Wichita, Kansas 67211