Ella Kimble, age 96, of Cascade Township, went to be with the Lord Wednesday, March 1, 2017. She is survived by her sons, Glenn (Laura), Ralph (Barbara), and Jeffrey; grandson Stacy (Chrissy) Kimble and great-grandsons Oscar and Sam; granddaughter Jessica Kimble and great-grandson Gavin; brother-in-law Oscar Kimble; and sister-in-law Blanche Krywicki. Ella was preceded in death by her husband of 64 years, Virgil “Red” Kimble, in 2010. She grew up in the rural Hart area. Throughout her life, Ella loved playing music, especially steel guitar and autoharp. She and Virgil were founding members of The Singin’ Strings band, and she performed until 2015. With special thanks to her family of friends, The Singin’ Strings, Lucy Patterson, Bob and Martha Burghdoff, Ken and Judy Moore, and Orville and Rose Harrington. We are forever grateful for their dedication to our mother. During World War II, she worked in a bomber factory. After moving to Cascade in the 1950s, Ella and Virgil became lifelong members of Cascade Christian Church. Funeral services will be Tuesday 11:00 a.m. at Cascade Christian Church, 2829 Thornapple River Dr SE, Grand Rapids. Pastor Jill Forton officiating. Visitation will be Monday 6-8:00 p.m. at O’Brien-Eggebeen-Gerst Chapel, 3980 Cascade Rd. S.E., Grand Rapids, and one hour prior to the service at the church.Memorial contributions may be made to Cascade Christian Church Chapel Fund.
