Barbara Jean Kimbrell, 85

Barbara “Barb” Kimbrell, 85, passed away at home June 20, 2024, in Dalton Gardens, Idaho, surrounded by loved ones. Barb was born at home in Minneapolis, Minn., on July 21, 1938. She was the third of four children and the only daughter.  

Barb’s ancestors came to the United States from Norway, settled in Minnesota and started a family. Barb was very proud of her Norwegian heritage and carried on many Norwegian traditions throughout her lifetime.  

During her youth, she loved to be outside. Her most cherished childhood memories were spent on her Aunt Florence’s farm in Benson, Minn., with her brothers and cousins. She came to Inglewood, Calif., in 1952, where she graduated from Inglewood High School in 1956. Following her graduation, life led her to Idaho, where she raised her seven children and created a legacy. She proudly stayed home to raise her children before pursuing her passion for cooking by becoming a cook at North Idaho College.

Barb was an avid gardener and a fantastic chef. She had many hobbies, which included dancing, camping, fishing, playing cards, going to the casino, doing crossword and jigsaw puzzles and, of course, spending time with her family. She was an outstanding mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister, daughter and friend to all. She will be remembered for her selfless, caring nature, as well as her generosity, among much more. She cooked for everyone and always made sure everyone else was perfectly well cared for before thinking of herself. Time spent with Barb usually meant large family gatherings with lots of wonderful food and conversation.

She is preceded in death by her best friend and mother, Evelyn Anderson, and her brothers, Marvin and Dale Anderson. She is survived by her brother, Donald “Donny” Anderson; her seven children: Delee (Joe) Baker, Denise Angelo, Payge (Rick) Hutchinson, Dean (Kim) Hutchinson, Susan (Bobby) Chandler, Rachel (Jason) McDevitt and Barbara “Barb” Dawson. She is also survived by her 16 grandchildren and 19 great-grandchildren.

Services will be held at 1 p.m., Tuesday, June 25, 2024, at Yates Funeral Home — Hayden Chapel, 373 E. Hayden Ave., Hayden, ID 83835. Please visit Barb’s online memorial and sign her guestbook at www.yatesfuneralhomes.com.