Cleo Jane Marsh Kimzey

Cleo Jane Marsh Kimzey — artist and artisan, writer, storyteller, lifelong learner, genealogy lover, WW2 parachute packer, funny woman, wise mentor, compassionate friend beloved mother, grandmother, great grandmother and wonderful aunt — left this life Jan. 23, 2024 for a well-earned journey to infinite peace. She was 98, with a presence belying her age that will be greatly missed by those who loved her so. Her legacy endures through the love, memories and lessons shared with, and within, her family.

Cleo was preceded in death by her soulmate and husband of 69 years, Robert "Clyde" Kimzey, and their son, Robert "Bob" Eugene Kimzey, and two great granddaughters, Avery and Gracelyn. She is survived by her daughter, Marsha Joyce Kimzey Hammond and her husband Steve Hammond, grandchildren Stephanie Hammond Girard, Lisa Hammond Wohlschlaeger, Katie Hammond Lonergan, Ryan Hammond, Ty Kimzey, Brian Kimzey, Carrie Kimzey Lough, 30 great grandchildren and six great-great grandchildren.

Born on Christmas Eve, 1925, Cleo was the fourth of six children born to Mary Susan "Susie" Petty Marsh and Jesse James Marsh of Chanute, Kan., all of whom preceded her in death: Henry Lee Marsh, Ella Mae Marsh Colvin, Ruth Ilene Marsh Russell, Dorothy June Marsh Plummer and Eugene Russell Marsh. Theirs was a generation that grew up during the Great Depression and became young adults during World War 2. Childhood was poor and hardships were many, while love was unconditional and plentiful.

In 1943, Cleo's father saw her off at the Chanute train station, where she began her journey to Kingman, Arizona, to marry Army Air Forces PFC Kimzey. Knowing she hadn't reached the legal age for marriage — yet taught not to lie — she wrote "17" and stuffed the paper into her shoe. A few days later, as she and Clyde applied for their marriage license, she truthfully answered the question: "Are you over 17?"

Bob, the first of their two children, was born in 1944, followed by Marsha in 1951. Cleo and Clyde spent most of their lives in Wichita, Kan., where Clyde worked at Beechcraft and Cleo found joy as a homemaker, dedicated mother, and an eager participant in downtown shopping adventures with her big sister and best friend, Ruth.

Cleo's expressed her creativity through ceramics, painting, sewing, and writing and as an early adopter of the home computer. These gifts were cherished by her family, who admired her wit, beauty and energy.

Active in her community and devoted to her faith, Cleo was a member of the Methodist Church and found fulfillment in caring for her family. After Clyde's retirement, she continued to be a caring wife, mother, grandmother, aunt, sister, and friend. Cleo's commitment to family extended beyond her own home. After Clyde's death, she moved in with daughter Marsha and son-in-law Steve, where she was wrapped up in their love. She treasured this time together and being present for special moments, often surrounded by all her grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

As we bid farewell to Cleo, our hearts are heavy, but we find a bittersweet joy in celebrating her homecoming to heaven. May Cleo rest in peace, embraced by the love she generously shared throughout her remarkable life. In this moment of farewell, we take comfort in the envisioned reunion of "Click and Clack," those cherished nicknames that resonate with the enduring love shared between Cleo and her beloved Clyde.

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