Kim Marie Nelson

Kim Marie Nelson has passed into the waiting arms of her savior, Jesus Christ, in December 2009. Although her family grieves their loss on the earth, they are heartily thankful for the promise to reunite with her in heaven when the Lord appoints.

Kimmy was born June 30, 1973, in Grand Rapids, Mich. She moved to Bonner County as a toddler, with her siblings, Danelle Nelson (Dunmire) Marianne Nelson (Harris) and Vernon Nelson; mother, Sue Ellen Nelson; and father, Barry David Nelson.

The family settled on the top of Hoodoo Mountain and lived a wonderful country life. Sue and Barry eventually separated and the children and Sue Ellen moved from the top of Hoodoo Mountain to a little home in Sagle, Idaho.

Kim was known for overwhelming strangers with her friendly smiles and sunny outlook on life. Even as a youngster in elementary school Kim was a sought-after best friend. She and her younger sister Marianne were inseparable and they spread warmth and encouragement all through their school years.

From Sagle Elementary School, Kim attended Sandpoint High School. While in high school Kim stayed true to her personality and was a member of Natural Helpers, a member of Homecoming Royalty her sophomore year, and an outstanding player on the softball team.

After high school, Kim married Jason Birdsell, who had joined the Army and, after a stint in Texas, they moved to Germany for a short while. After Germany and a dissolution of the marriage, Kim settled herself in the Northwest, in the Olympia, Wash., area to be closer to her sisters, Marianne and Dani, and brother, Vernon, their families and her parents. She was the “favorite aunt,” to her five nieces and two nephews.

Kim was a standout employee at Washington State Credit Union, where she received numerous employee awards and nominations. She made her home in Thurston County in Lacey, Wash.

Kimmy added a precious member to her little family in the way of a little Pug named Daisy Mae. Daisy became Kim’s constant, well-loved companion.

There is not a person who met Kim Marie Nelson who did not benefit from her freely given smiles and kind heart. She made friends every day, wherever she went. She will be incredibly missed. Her unconditional love will be remembered, as in her own words she said, “And I love you best ….”

Kim is survived by her mother, Sue Ellen Nelson; her father, Barry David Nelson and his wife Genevieve Nelson; her sisters, Danelle Dunmire and Marianne Harris; her brother, Vernon Nelson; and five nieces and two nephews.

There will be a memorial service in the spring, the time of which the family will announce.