Bonnie Louise Kimbrough

Bonnie Louise Kimbrough went to our Lord’s eternal kingdom on November 28, 2019,
Thanksgiving Day. She was born February 20, 1942 to Elmore and Julia Viehmann in Helena,
MT. She was an only child and spent her childhood in Polson, MT on Flathead Lake. Bonnie
graduated from Eastern WA University in 1964 as an English major and began teaching at
Chehalis High School the following year. While attending a Lewis County teacher’s function,
Bonnie met Gilbert Kimbrough. After a brief courtship, they were married July 10, 1965 in
Polson, MT. Bonnie then shifted into a position as a speech therapist, helping children who
were hearing impaired before beginning her career in real estate. She spent 30+ years in the
industry where the majority of her time was served as broker/owner of Great Western Reality in
Chehalis. While keeping a hand in real estate during the winter months, Bonnie became co-owner
of Big Arm Resort and Marina on Flathead Lake in 1987. She was able to spend her
summer months “back home” and share the beauty of Montana with her family. Bonnie and
Gilbert, who became sole owners, sold the resort in 2003, and Bonnie continued part-time
work in real estate for several more years.
Bonnie loved music. She began piano as a child and continued to delight her family with her
playing for many years. She also played clarinet in the high school band and sang in a church
choir while attending college. Her love for music continued into adulthood where she served
the Lord through many church choirs as well as bell choir. In addition, Bonnie was a member
of Sweet Adelines during the 80’s.
Bonnie enjoyed puzzles, card games, camping, swimming, trap shooting and became an avid
quilter in her retirement. Her grandchildren were recipients of bed quilts as well as a new quilt
upon graduating from high school. Quilts were also gifted to all of her children. Bonnie’s
penmanship was exquisite and was portrayed on the endless organizational lists she created to
keep things precisely in order. Puzzles and card games were especially enjoyed with grandkids,
and Bonnie and Gilbert played Bridge on a consistent basis.
Bonnie brought joy to others with her bright smile and cheery personality. She was always
optimistic, always looking for the sun behind the clouds and never complaining about her
bodily suffering. Her bravery and devotion to God even in her last hours were a testimony to us
all. Having a desire to become Orthodox, Bonnie was received into the Orthodox Church the
same day she was diagnosed with brain cancer, just five weeks before her repose.
Bonnie is survived by her husband of 54 years, Gilbert Kimbrough; four children, Michael
Kimbrough of Centralia, Bradley (Jennifer) Kimbrough of Tucson, AZ, Tyler (Cathy) Kimbrough
of Edmonds, and E. Arin (Stephen) Sugarman of Tieton; 15 grandchildren, Sarah Kimbrough of
Centralia, Preston and Orrin Kimbrough of College Station, TX; Avery and Savannah Kimbrough
of Tucson, AZ; Jordan Kimbrough of Seattle, Jacob and MacKenzie Kimbrough of Edmonds;
Elias Sugarman of Phoenix, AZ, Ioanna, Makarios, Agathi, Mary, Xenia and Makrina Sugarman
of Tieton; and one great-grandchild, Persephone Thompson of Monmouth, OR.
The funeral service will be held at Holy Cross Orthodox Church in Yakima, WA, followed by the
burial service at Tahoma Cemetery on Saturday, December 7 at 11 a.m. (reception following at
Holy Cross). No local service is planned, but Gilbert and family would love to have visitors drop
by Bonnie and Gilbert’s home anytime.
In lieu of flowers, please send donations to support The American Cancer Society.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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