Laura Michelle Kimes, 48, Amboy, passed away in her home on Wednesday, December 18, 2024. She was born in Marion, Indiana, on Friday, May 28, 1976, to Phillip and Rebecca (Jones) Kimes.
“I was born on Memorial Day weekend. I was a happy, bouncing baby girl. I grew up in Gas City, until the age of 14 and went to Mississinewa School; Northview Elementary and RJ Baskett Middle School. I played basketball, volleyball, track & field, which I loved. I was in tap and ballet for two years which was so much fun because I loved to sing and dance. I attended John Roberts Powers Modeling and Finishing School and graduated in 1990. I then started at Madison Grant Jr. high in the fall of 1990. I graduated from Tucker Vocational School in spring of 1995 with 20 college credits and a scholarship to Ivy Tech State College where I majored in early childhood development and finished my studies in 1997.
I got married in 1997 and had three beautiful babies that I cherished: Preston Mark Ellis, Taylor Marie Ellis and James Cameron Ellis. I worked at Judy’s Dress Shop in downtown Gas City from 1995-1997. While I was there, I managed the store, checked all orders in, designed her show windows, prepared all her fashion shows and modeled in them. I was in her commercials, modeling her clothes.
Once I had my babies, I stayed home until my youngest was in school then I went to work full-time at Sears as head cashier, which included training all cashiers. I was the top ‘credit queen’. I was the first person to receive 3-gold stars who didn’t work in Brand Central. Once Sears closed, I went on to be a lead teller, which is a manager, at Wells Fargo in Wabash. There, I trained other tellers, opened and closed the bank, balanced the vault, prepared and shipped Brinks shipments, ordered money and much more. I resigned in July 2019 due to health issues. I worked part-time at Oak Hill until I couldn’t anymore due to health. I stayed home ever since.
I went through many surgeries for my cancer including chemo, radiation and a lot more. My journey has been rough, but it opened my eyes to many things; I learned a lot. Love you all, Laura.”
Along with her parents, Phillip and Rebecca Kimes and children, Preston Ellis, Taylor (Conner) Fritch and James Ellis, survivors also include granddaughter, Harper; brother, Chad (Nikki) Kimes of Marion; significant other, Gary Fleener of Amboy; special friend, Cheryl Wallace of Amboy; and special uncle, Ron (Shelly) Jones of Jonesboro.
She was preceded in death by her grandparents, Robert and Ruth Kimes and Charles and Edith Jones.
The family will receive visitors from 11:00 am to 1:00 pm on Monday, December 23, 2024, at Needham-Storey-Wampner Funeral & Cremation Service, Storey Chapel, 400 E. Main St, Gas City, IN.
Immediately following the time of visitation, a service to celebrate Laura’s life will begin at 1:00 pm with Pastor Mick Simpkins officiating. Burial will take place at Park Cemetery.
Memories may be shared online at www.nswcares.com.
