Obituary of Ernestine Grace Kimbro

After nearly a decade of struggle, surrounded by friends and family, Ernestine Grace Kimbro of Lacey, Washington, succumbed to her cancer on Sunday, April 26th, three days prior to her 60th birthday. Ernestine was born on April 29th, 1949 in Nampa, Idaho to Grace and James Kimbro. She was raised in Idaho Falls, Idaho where she graduated from Idaho Falls High School in 1967. She earned her bachelor’s degree in English Literature from Gonzaga University in 1971 and went on to earn a masters degree in Library Science from the University of Washington. Ernestine moved to the Olympia, Washington area in 1972. She lived and worked on a farm near Shelton where she met many lifelong friends. Drawn to books and knowledge she began a career in Library that eventually took her to Seattle where she worked for several years and later completed a masters program in Library Science. This opened up an opportunity to return to Olympia where she joined the staff of Evergreen State College in 1990. As a faculty member she taught philosophy, writing, library and information science, literature, cultural studies, and women's studies .Ernestine viewed teaching to be a privilege and set high standards of professionalism for herself and high standards of achievement from her students. Ernestine enriched her life with art, music, reading, writing, gardening, and conversation. She filled her life to the brim with these pursuits to the point that they spilled out reflecting a grand style. Her home mirrored flair and a beautiful perspective on life, rich with color and elegance, and a stunning garden to match. Ernestine opened her home for celebrations and parties where her wonderful culinary skills were enjoyed by friends and family. Many lively, serious, and not so serious conversations were held around her table. She loved to travel taking numerous trips with her son, family, and friends. Ernestine had a generous, loving spirit that touched many people’s lives. Foremost and above all, Ernestine loved her 19 year old son, Arjuna. She demonstrated steadfast dedication and commitment to her son from beginning to end. Ernestine was preceded in death by her parents, Grace and James Kimbro, Uncles Tom and Al and Aunts Mary and Ruth. She is survived by her beloved son, Arjuna White (father Nigel White), brothers Jim Kimbro of Tok, AK, Art Kimbro of Ririe, ID, Mike Kimbro (Patti), and Joe Kimbro (Valerie) of Idaho Falls, ID. Nieces and Nephews Chris Kimbro, Jim Kimbro, Alex Kimbro, Hilary Kimbro, Mike Kimbro, Najuma Simon, Anna Kimbro, Erin Kimbro, Teagan Kimbro, Aunts Carrie Narum and Mother Colleen Kimbro, FSE., cousins, friends, and colleagues. May she rest in peace. A celebration will be held in Ernestine’s honor by friends and faculty of The Evergreen State College on Saturday, May 16th, 2009 from 1-4 pm in the Library Lobby. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Ernestine Kimbro Fund, The Evergreen State College Foundation, 2700 Evergreen Parkway NW, Olympia, Washington 98505.