Donna Lee Kimber, 84, passed away April 11, 2025, at Credo Senior Living, Hoisington. She was born Oct. 8, 1940, in Wichita, the daughter of Jim and Mary (Stoss) Smolik. Donna married Russell Kimber Feb. 10, 1958, in Great Bend.

Donna, a long-time resident of Great Bend, was a current co-owner of Kimber Rentals. Previous to the residential rental business, she operated a painting and wall covering business and designed and fabricated awnings for The Southard Corporation Company. 

Donna was a member of Prince of Peace Parish at St. Rose, Altar Society, Campfire Board of Directors, PTA Board, Barton County Historical Association, Golden Belt Community Concert Association, E.H.U., Barton County Election Board, Pilot Club and served as a Boy Scout leader. Never having idle hands and if spare time was to be had, Donna enjoyed reading, traveling and fellowship with family and friends in a game of pinochle or Bunco.  

Survivors include her husband, Russell of the home; two daughters, Melinda Hiss (Jim) and Kimberly Starr all of Great Bend; and three grandchildren, Veronica Bush (Tim), E.J. Hiss (Kayla Cooley) and Zachariah Starr. She was preceded in passing by a son in law, Thad Starr.

Funeral services will be held 10:30 a.m. Thursday, April 17, 2025, at Bryant Funeral Home, with Father Aneesh Parappanattu.  Interment will follow at Great Bend Cemetery, Great Bend. Visitation will be from noon to 8 p.m., Wednesday, April 16, at Bryant Funeral Home, with an Altar Society Rosary at 4 p.m. and the family present to receive friends from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. Memorials may be given to Barton County Historical Society or the Great Bend-Brit Spaugh Zoo, in care of Bryant Funeral Home, 1425 Patton Road, Great Bend, KS  67530. Condolences may be sent and notice viewed at www.bryantfh.net.

Funeral arrangements provided by

Bryant Funeral Home

1425 Patton Road

Great Bend, KS  67530

Great Bend (Kan.) Tribune, April 15, 2025