KIMBERLY SUE VARNAL
March 19, 1964 ~ June 18, 2017
After a courageous year-and-a-half long battle with lymphoma, Kimberly Sue Varnal passed away peacefully in the presence of her mother and stepfather on June 18 at The Ray Hickey Hospice House in Vancouver, WA.
Her smile, laughter, forgiveness, love, and constant positivity will always be remembered.
She was born to Charles and Karen Varnal of Kansas City, MO on March 19, 1964. She attended school in Kansas City, MO until the beginning of her senior year, and then moved to VT. She graduated from Colchester High School in 1982. She attended the University of Vermont (UVM), graduating in 1986, majoring in International Finance, and graduating with a Bachelor's degree in Business. She enjoyed a year of work and study in Nice, France during her last year of university.
In 1994 she moved to Vancouver, WA after spending a few years back in her home state of Missouri. She loved being of service in her community, and for over twenty years she helped those suffering from mental illness go on monthly community outings. Additionally, she helped the mentally ill by working as an Education Advocate, for Clark County for several years. She helped them to believe in themselves and gain access to higher education. She went on to continue to work for the county in data entry, sometimes supervisory roles, and in data logistics until shortly before her diagnosis.
She was an active member of Vancouver's New Heights Church. She enjoyed attending their Bible study classes and women's retreats, and volunteered in the church bookstore and office.
She was preceded in death by her father, Charles Albert Anthony Varnal.
She is survived by her mother, Karen Hudson; stepfather, David Hudson; sister, Sheila Emilo; brother-in-law, Ron Emilo; nephew, Geraughty Badger; stepmother, Barbara Claff; sister, Elizabeth Searle; brother-in-law, Troy Searle; brother, David Varnal; sister-in-law, Christine Varnal; niece, Violet Varnal; as well as her beloved Shih Tzu Madison.
Kim was buried near her father, grandfather, and great- aunt at Mt. Olivet Cemetery in Raytown, MO on July 6, 2017. There will be a memorial service for Kim at 1p.m. on Tues., Aug 1, 2017 in the Summit at New Heights Church at 7913 NE 58th Ave., Vancouver, WA.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Open House Ministries, Ray Hickey Hospice House, or New Heights Church, all in Vancouver, WA.
Please sign her Guest Book at www.columbian.com/obits.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
2 Entries
Kim Varnal was extraordinarily kind. When she said how are you - she really wanted to know. She was so bright and had such a sunny disposition. This is a very sad loss.
Kris Henriksen
July 25, 2017
I consider myself so lucky to have known this beautiful, strong, smart, funny, and empathetic woman. Her love, light, and wisdom enriched my life and the lives of so many others. She is much loved and dearly missed.
Martha
July 23, 2017
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