Harriet Ann Kimble
April 19, 1929 – July 10, 2014
Harriet (Hattie) was born to Frank and Maude Bateman near Huron, South Dakota, the youngest of eight children, on April 19, 1929. She grew up on a farm outside of Huron, during difficult economic times, but recalled a happy childhood, surrounded by a tight knit rural community. Her family worshiped at Pearl Creek Church, and it was there that Mom put her trust in Christ, a faith that would carry her through life’s journey. She attended one-room schools, Huron High School, and graduated from Wessington Springs High School in 1947.
She then moved to Seattle, Washington, joining her sisters there, to work, and to attend Seattle Pacific College. It was there, in a chemistry class, that she met Dean Kimble. They were married in Seattle on December 16, 1950. Dean and Hattie lived in Seattle, then Harrington, WA for one year, and then settled into the Shoreline/Richmond Beach area north of Seattle, where they raised their three children: Jeanie, Ron, and Heather. Hattie lovingly invested her energy and nurturing into her family and home. She also worked in a variety of settings, applying her clerical skills to Admissions at two Seattle-area hospitals (Harborview and Stevens), U of W Dental School, and the Shoreline School District, where she served in several schools as instructional aide, office staff, and 
attendance secretary.
Hattie grew to love her adopted home in the Pacific Northwest. With her family, she enjoyed hiking, canoeing, camping, and skiing. Favorite destinations were Leavenworth, Mt Rainier, Hurricane Ridge, San Juan Islands, and many beautiful spots in the Evergreen State. She and Dean also traveled across the US, and into Canada and Alaska. She loved birding, developing skill in identifying them by sight and by their songs. She also formed strong bonds with a succession of dogs, most recently beloved Australian Shepherd “Buddy”.
Hattie had great creativity, expressing it through beautiful knitting and crocheting, sewing of clothing, painting(both oils and watercolor), and pottery. It was common for family to receive handmade gifts, which beautifully conveyed her love. She hosted many family celebrations, enjoyed cooking, and was known for picking homegrown berries and creating luscious berry pies and jams.
Her grandchildren were a great joy to her, and she and Dean shared in active grandparenting, instilling in future generations a love and appreciation for exploring the beauty of God’s creation. Mom’s faith expressed itself in a compassionate, non-judgmental heart for people, especially those who were 
struggling. This was especially expressed as she volunteered for Operation Nightwatch.
The family wishes to express heartfelt appreciation to Group Health Hospice, who provided incredible support in the last few years, and to wonderful caregivers, who allowed Hattie to be in her beautiful, peaceful home setting.
Harriet is survived by her husband Dean, daughters Jeanie Smith (Ken) of Sandpoint, Idaho, and Heather Craven (Carl) of Burien, Washington. and grandchildren Jennifer Bandy(Steve), Katrina Johnson(Adam), Celeste Blonde(Matt), Jill Craven(Devin), Ryan Smith(Caitlin), and Bryan Craven(Ali), and 7 great grandchildren.
A memorial celebration of Harriet’s life is scheduled for:
Thursday, August 7th at 1 pm
Calvin Presbyterian Church – 18826 Third Avenue NW, Shoreline, WA
Family suggests any memorial donations be designated for Operation Nightwatch of Seattle.