Beatrice M. Kimball

Beatrice M. Kimball, 92, of St. Joseph, passed away on Monday, December 10, 2018 at Caretel Inn’s of Lakeland. A celebration of life will be held at 11 a.m. on Saturday, December 22, 2018, at location Scottdale United Methodist Church, 4271 Scottdale Rd, St Joseph, MI. Memorial contributions may be made to Scottdale United Methodist Church, St. Joseph Lincoln Senior Center or North Berrien Senior Center. Arrangements have been entrusted to Starks & Menchinger Chapel & Cremation Services. Those wishing to send a condolence online may do so at www.starks-menchinger.com The family would like to thank Aunt Bea’s “girls” at Caretel who she told everyone spoiled her. Especially “Verlinda” and Jess who went above and beyond their job to care for her and make her feel safe. Also Dr. Paloyan and his staff at Marie Yeager Cancer Center who took such good care of her. Beatrice was born on May 30, 1926 to Thomas and Helen (Hiler) Ibbotson in Benton Harbor. She graduated from Benton Harbor High School in 1944. On October 21, 1949 she married Donald Kimball. Beatrice worked for Enders Co. and Indiana Michigan Power Company where she retired on June 1, 1986, after thirty years of service. She was a member of Scottdale United Methodist Church and the Lighthouse Ladies Red Hats. Beatrice also loved Bingo, Bunco, Bridge, Mah Jong and going to casinos. She enjoyed traveling and went on over thirty cruises. Beatrice never met a stranger and would strike up a conversation and friendship with anyone. She is survived by her nieces and nephews, Stephen (Sharon) Ward, Michael (Lynn) Ward, Nancy (Paul) Chiba, Janet (Hal) Freehling, Sandra (Benny) Dohm, Donna (Pete) Shoemaker, David (Judy) Mikels, Deborah (Terry) Priebe and numerous great, great-great and great-great-great nieces & nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents, Thomas and Helen Ibbotson; husband of 46 years, Donald Kimball; sisters, Lois Peppel and Mary Lou Ward.