Observations all along the line - Kimball & the Southern Panhandle First

Mary Louise (Erdman) Kimzey

Mary Louise (Erdman) Kimzey, 91, of Cheyenne, Wyoming formerly of Kimball, Nebraska went home to be with our Lord on September 24, 2022 at Cheyenne Life Care after a brief illness and hospitalization. Memorial Service were held at Kimball Presbyterian Church in Kimball, Nebraska on Saturday, October 8, 2022, with the Rev. Alan Foutz officiating. Cantrell Funeral of Kimball was in charge of arrangements.

She was born July 12,1931, to Henry and Molly (Rexius) Erdman at Scottsbluff County Nebraska. She grew up on farms in the Scottsbluff area and later on near Huntley, Wyoming. Mary graduated in 1949 from Huntley High School. After high school she worked for the Bloedorn's as secretary at Torrington Lumber in Torrington, Wyoming.

On August 27, 1950 she was united in marriage to Ralph Eugene Kimzey at the Presbyterian Church in Torrington. To this union three sons were born, Randy, Brian and Tyler (Toby). Ralph and Mary farmed in the Cherry Creek area near Veteran, Wyoming.

In 1971, their farm was sold and they moved to a hog confinement operation south of Kimball, Nebraska. In 1971, The Flower Haven in Kimball was purchased and Mary became a dedicated florist and designer with Ralph helping with fixtures and deliveries. They purchased a home in Kimball and moved into town.

In 1988, The Flower Haven was sold so that Mary and Ralph could semi-retire. Mary worked part-time at Cantrell Funeral Home, dress shop's, The Vogue and Cottage Shop and helped out the new owner of the Flower Haven. Mary helped Ralph with the mowing and grooming of the Kimball Cemetery, which made a difference in its care and appearance.

Yardwork and the upkeep of the Kimball Presbyterian Church was something they both took as a privilege to do their part of service to the church and God. For many years Mary and Ralph would help the church until health issues, they no longer were able to keep up. Mary served on church board and committees, was in the church choir and performed many solos throughout the years.

The joy and hard work on Mary's yard would become a showplace that was admired and received several beautification awards in Kimball. Mary and Ralph had the vision and work ethic for the setting of a well-groomed and colorful yard at 114 South Webster.

After Ralph's death, Mary went to live at Pointe Frontier Retirement in Cheyenne, Wyoming. She lived in an apartment there for just over two years.

Mary is survived by brother Bill Erdman (Linda) of Torrington, sons Randy Kimzey (Jodene) of Laramie, Wyoming, Brian Kimzey (Becky) of Pipe creek, Texas, and Tyler Toby Kimzey (Trisha) of Horse Creek, Wyoming. Grandsons, Corey Kimzey (Jessica), Kallen Kimzey (Sharayah), and Tyler Kimzey (Maggie). Granddaughters, Joy Garringer (Larry), Hope Rothe (Joel), Brande DeBree (Josh), and Kara (Tecklenberg) Kimzey. Great Grandsons, Tristan Lind (Trevor and Kara Kimzey), Braiden DeBree, Hunter DeBree, Connor Kimzey, Liam Garringer, Kaden Kimzey, Braylon Rothe, Kashis Kimzey, Koby Kimzey, Malcolm Kimzey. Great Granddaughters, Kora Pritchard Voss (Josh), Grace Richards, Baylee DeBree, Taylor Kimzey, Kaitlin Garringer, BraizyKimzey, Payton Rothe and Cosette Kimzey. Great Great Grandson Judd Voss, and numerous nephews and nieces.

Mary was preceded in death by her parents Henry and Molly (Rexius) Erdman, husband Ralph E. Kimzey, brother Glen Erdman, nephew Max Erdman, Grandson Trevor Kimzey and Great Grandson Christopher Kimzey.

Contributions may be made to Ralph and Mary Kimzey Memorial c/o Kimball Presbyterian Church, 700 Cedar, Kimball, Nebraska 69145.