Vera Kimball

Vera Maxine Kimball, age 94, entered into the kingdom of heaven on March 10, 2017, surrounded by the love of her family. Vera was born on November 13, 1922 to Edward and Ollie (Parrott) Yearington. She grew up in Adams County and graduated Corning High School in 1942. Vera attended Southwestern Community College where she earned an associate’s degree and then completed her bachelor’s degree in teaching from Northwest Missouri State. Vera also completed a portion of her master’s degree. In 1942, Vera started teaching in rural schools in Adams County. In 1960, the rural schools were closed and Vera was then employed by the Corning Community School, teaching first at the Carbon Center and then in Corning. She retired after teaching for 34 ½ years.
The greatest love story started in 1940 when Vera went with her sister, Alice, on a blind date with a handsome but ornery boy from Lenox, Edgar Olin “Shorty” Kimball. Three years later, on September 10, 1943, Vera and Olin were united in marriage in Creston, Iowa. They farmed in Lenox until April 1946 when Olin entered the armed forces. After Olin’s return from the army in September 1947, they moved to a farm near Reinbeck, Iowa. In July 1948, they returned to Corning. Vera and Olin adopted a brother and sister, Daniel and Dorothy, in July 1962. Vera and Olin eventually moved to land they purchased in 1950 in what was once the town of Quincy. They lived there until 1994 when they moved into the town of Corning.
Vera’s life was filled with love from all venues-her husband, children, grandchildren, nieces and nephews, friends and students. Vera’s love for her family overflowed in so many ways-from the meals she cooked with love to the hours spent cross-stitching blankets for her great-grandchildren. She never missed an opportunity to make memories with her grandchildren, including many hours playing Rummikub, rocking, reading, watching sports and plays. Her soft hands, wiggling of her nose and warm hugs will forever be remembered as a token of her love. Vera also loved God and served her church for many years until her declining health made it difficult to do so.
Left to cherish the memory of Vera and carry on her legacy are her husband of 73 years, Olin “Shorty” Kimball; a daughter, Dorothy Sobotka (Kent Sturtz); ten grandchildren, Melissa (Rick) Schad, Amy Kimball, Jennifer (Kevin) Maseman, Jolene (Jay) Johnson, Kelli (Casey) Kraus, Julie (Michael) Showers, Jodi Sobotka, Chad Veach, Jamie Sobotka and Charity (Ryan) Carstensen; 31 great grandchildren; 3 great-great grandchildren; a sister, Wilma Gardner; sister-in-law, Bea Walton; her daughter-in-law, Shirley (Kevin) Gute; and many nieces, nephews and friends. Vera was preceded in death by her parents, her son, Daniel; son-in-law, Robert Sobotka; 3 great grandchildren, Bailey Graham, Brianna Hilton and Simon Carstensen; 5 brothers and 3 sisters.
Vera lived a good life. She knew the love of her soul mate, a man who, after 73 years, is still head-over-heels in love with her. She knew the love of a family who thought the world of her. She also knew the love of a community who cared for her so much. The family would like to extend a heart-felt thank you to the staff at Corning Specialty Care and Care Initiative Hospice for taking care of our special wife, mother, grandmother, aunt and friend.
Memorials may be directed to the family in Vera’s name.