Kim was the most loving, endearing mother figure to all she met. She was often referred to as “Mama Kim” and it brought her such joy to care for and encourage the people she loved. Mama Kim always made time. Whether you needed her to listen, some encouragement and truly heartfelt advice, or quiet comfort accompanied by the warmest hug. Kim was the person you sought out. She had a way of making you feel seen and valued. That was her superpower. She had a way of making you feel like the most important person in the room. She was a light-giver.
Her family was the most important part of her life. She took such pride in being a mom to Brian and Jessica. She poured herself into motherhood. And you could feel the love she had for her babies. If there was an event, big or small, she was there. Oftentimes, wearing a button with a picture of them beaming with pride. She taught her kids what unconditional love truly looked like and what family really meant.
As they grew, she continued to be an incredible mama and also transitioned into being their friend.
She equally adored her son-in-law, Ben. She was always proud and fascinated at his ability to grow anything that went in dirt and loved to brag to anyone who would listen about his skills, not only as a gardener but as a human. They had a special bond and were often in cahoots together.
If it was possible for her to love anything more than motherhood, it was being a Gram. She beamed at the mention of any of her 5 grandbabies. And often times when she spoke of them, she would tear up with love. She was as dedicated a Gram as she was a mom. Showing up to cheer on her little loves for everything. Nothing brought her more joy than an adventure with Dillon and Henry. She was always on the hunt for the newest fun memory to be made or laugh to be had. When her grandson was asked what his favorite thing to do with his Gram was, his response was, “Everything”.
Kim’s siblings lived all across the United States, but their bond always remained strong. She cherished “Sister Time” when the 3 of them could get together. Though far apart, they stayed in touch often with phone calls and texts.
She is survived by her children and grandchildren: Brian Williams (Noah and Grace), Jessica Ruch-Guerrin and Ben Guerrin (Dillon “Pickle” and Henry); her siblings: Tom and Corry Heffner, Michael and Deanna Heffner, Paula and Frank Bolinger, and Lynne and Ross Knox.
Kim was preceded in death by her granddaughter Olive, her parents Leo J and Marion Heffner, her nephew Nathan Williams, and her sister-in-law Cheryl Heffner. Kim proudly served her country in the United States Navy as a Chaplain’s Assistant and she worked as a purchasing and scheduling manager at Artex Label and Graphics for 25-plus years.
Visitation will be 4-7 pm Tuesday, July 26, 2022, at Yntema Funeral Home, 251 South State Street, Zeeland. A memorial service will be held at 11 am Wednesday, July 27, 2022, at Cultivate Community Church, 4872 136th Ave, Hamilton. Memorial contributions may be given to Pancreatic Cancer Action Network. www.yntema.fh.com
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