Lila Jane Claywell Kimber, age 86, passed away on Tuesday, May 9, 2023. Lila was the second of seven children born on June 4, 1936 to Otis and Ruby Claywell.
She spent her early years in Breeding and Columbia, KY graduating from Adair County High School in May of 1955. Lila married Jack Kimbler on her 19th birthday, June 4, 1955. She was a devoted wife, mother, and homemaker. Lila was a wonderful cook and enjoyed being a hostess and entertaining and making every occasion beautiful and special. She also found pleasure caring for her garden and potted plants, what a green thumb.
Lila loved the Lord and lived her days pleasing him. She was devoted to raising her family and grandchildren, to love the Lord, like she did. She attended Bible Study Fellowship, then became a leader so she could take 3 of her grandchildren with her so they too could learn the word of God. She was active at Edmond’s First Baptist Church until she could no longer attend on her own. She and Jack were especially involved with Oklahoma Baptist Homes for Children, where together they raised money to build a new cottage at Boy Ranch Town that holds their name, The Kimbler Cottage.
In addition to her parents, she was also preceded in death by her loving husband of 65 years, Jack, whom she has missed terribly since his death in 2020; two brothers: Lyman and Irving; brothers-in-law: Bobby Kimbler, Joe Kimbler, Don Cook, Harry Kimbler and Phil Estes; and son-in-law, Scott Curry.
SURVIVORS:
3 children: Greg, Brad & wife Monica, and Staci
8 grandchildren: KelsiJo Kimbler, Braden Curry, Kendyl Kimbler, Levi Kimbler, Morgan Curry, Faith Kimbler, Clay Kimbler, and Grace Kimbler
5 great-grandchildren: Lily Kimbler, Andrew Kimbler, Cade Kimbler, Emery Curry and Wrenley Curry
2 sisters: Elaine and Jan
2 brothers: Doyle and Leon
7 sisters-in-law
Many nieces & nephews
Funeral Service: Thursday, May 11, 2023 at 2:00pmCT at Mathew’s Funeral Home in Edmond, OK
Graveside Service: Saturday, May 13, 2023 at 11:00amCT at Freedom Cemetery in Columbia, KY with visitation from 10:30amCT until time for the service at Freedom Cemetery
In lieu of flowers, memorials/gifts are requested to be made to the Oklahoma Baptist Homes for Children.
Stotts-Phelps-McQueary Funeral Home is in charge of local arrangements.
