Kimberly Lou “Kim” West, of Pampa, Texas, celebrated her birthday in Heaven with the Lord in person on Tuesday, January 18, 2022, in the comfort of her home with family at her side. She made her arrival and departure into this world 61 years ago to the day! Kim was born in Osmond, Nebraska to Henry A. and Alyce Van Kirk.
Being reared in Winona, Minnesota, Kim attended Winona High School and graduated with the class of “79”. While in high school, she was extremely active as she was on the swim team, a member of the band as well as the Missteps Dance Ensemble. Following, she attended the University of Wisconsin in Eau Claire where she attained her Bachelors in both Elementary Education and Spanish. In 1983, she moved to Pampa and established her position as a 1st Grade Teacher with Pampa Independent School District. During her 27-year tenure, she taught bilingual and ESL students at various elementary schools within the district; however, one thing that didn’t change was that each of her students became her kids and remained such even after they advanced on in school and life. Teaching was her passion and even led her to find her soul mate, Eric, while they were both teaching at Baker Elementary. Ultimately, that meeting blessed her with a family of whom her greatest joy was spending time…especially with her grandbabies. Kim anticipated her visits with grandchildren to the point of planning their agenda. She loved teaching them to cook and various crafts, but most importantly, she cherished the time together. Kim was both extremely friend and family oriented, she never let loose of her faith in God and found solace in her church family. Her kind words, tender spirit and loving personality will be missed greatly by all those whose lives she has touched.
Those who awaited her arrival through the pearly gates were her father and beloved grandparents.
She is survived by her loving husband of 36 ½ years, Eric West of Pampa; her mother, Alyce Van Kirk of Winona, Minnesota; three sons, Micah West of Pampa, Josiah West and wife Amy of Amarillo, Caleb West of Fritch; two daughters, Abby West of Midland, Lydia Reames and husband Chris of Tennessee; two brothers, Jim Van Kirk, Jon Van Kirk and wife Jennie all of Winona, Minnesota; a sister, Kathy Przywojski and husband Paul of La Crosse, Wisconsin; nine grandchildren, Hayden, Briah, Camaron, Jacklin, Hunter, Ruby, Dane, Destinee and Kastor as well as a multitude of aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces and nephews.
Celebration of Life Memorial services are scheduled for 2:00 p.m., Sunday, January 23, 2022, at Trinity Fellowship Church, 2225 N. Hobart Street, Pampa, Texas. The family has entrusted the cremation care of their loved one to Winegeart Funeral Home.
Should donations in honor of Kim be a preference, the family graciously suggests that they be made to Trinity Fellowship Church Pampa Campus, 2225 N. Hobart Street, Pampa, Texas 79065.