Clare Nadine Kime

Clare Nadine Kime (Schussler) passed away peacefully June 12, 2022 at Yakima Valley Memorial Hospital. She had family and friends at her bedside expressing their love, gratitude, and goodbyes with stories of her life, songs, laughter, and prayers. Clare loved Jesus with all her heart and was a faithful, practicing Christian. She enjoyed an abundant life with her beloved family and friends, but now has joyfully gone to be with her Lord and Savior. Clare was born in Yakima Washington on October 13, 1933 to Willis “Whitey” and Katie (Jenkins) Schussler. She had one younger brother, Don. Clare attended Roosevelt Elementary, Franklin Middle School, and graduated from Yakima High School (Davis) class of 1951. She enjoyed socializing, music, and sang in the school choir as well as some smaller choral groups. Following graduation, Clare briefly attended Willamette University and also Yakima Valley Community College. She went back to college years later and graduated from YVC obtaining her Associate of Arts degree at age 56. She professed that the delay in obtaining her degree was evidence she was a slow learner.

Clare married the late Kay Kime on February 4, 1956. They had 2 children; a daughter Lynda Kaye of Yakima and a son Bradley Alan of Snohomish, Washington. Clare and Kay amicably divorced in 1994. Clare often said that spending time with her two children and their families was what she loved most. She enjoyed being at the ocean and taking trips with family to the Oregon Coast. Clare traveled both domestically and internationally throughout her life. She also was an avid reader and often had more than one book going at a time. She had compassion for animals and cared for several beloved dogs over her lifetime. She loved them all, but a few of her personal favorites were a cocker mix, Pepi, and a West Highland Terrier, Cali. Clare’s church affiliations and activities were a very important and fulfilling part of her life. She was baptized and raised in the Methodist Church where she was an active participant in the youth programs. She began attending the First Presbyterian Church (Grace of Christ Presbyterian) in the early 1970s. She was a very active member. She sang in the temple choir for over 30 years, played in the Bell Choir, participated as a Deacon and Stephen Minister, and worked as a church volunteer in the Connections Center. Clare eventually moved from her condominium at Chalet Village where she served as president for many years to an apartment at Living Care Retirement Community. She continued to make many new friends and attended the church service and bible study there. She also sang in the Living Care choir. Clare worked for Pacific NW Bell telephone company as a Service Representative for 35 years and retired from there in 1990. She was a longtime member of PEO, volunteered over 6000 hours at Yakima Valley Memorial, and sang with the Bel Canto choral group.

Clare was often placed in leadership roles and could be counted on to be diligent, fair minded, principled, professional, and thorough. She could be quite outspoken at times, but always thoughtful, respectful, and good natured. By her own admission and the testimony of family and friends, Clare thoroughly enjoyed life. She loved Yakima and the valley, its beauty, weather, and its people. She had a wonderful sense of humor and loved to laugh. She encouraged others to enjoy life and not take it too seriously. She will be greatly missed but fondly remembered as a caring, inspiring, and loving mother, grandma, and friend. She was a kind person who served others, sang and laughed abundantly, shared her opinions liberally, and in her words, “was fun while she lasted”.

Clare was preceded in death by her parents and her beloved brother. She is survived by her daughter Lynda Boggess and husband Steve, son Bradley Kime and wife Mary, grandchildren Ryan Sousley, Andrew Boggess, Christopher Boggess, Shauna Little, Brett Kime, and Tyler Kime, as well as 10 great grandchildren, sister-in-law Judy Schussler, and numerous extended family and friends. In typical fashion, Clare stated, “If any part of me can be used, I want to be an organ donor. Any left overs can go to the funeral home. It’s paid for.” Clare always said what she meant, and meant what she said. Her family will honor her request.

Following a cremation, her remains will be returned to the beach and the ocean she loved so much. A memorial service celebrating Clare’s life will be held at Grace of Christ Presbyterian Church on July 5th, 2022 at 11am. Please feel welcome to attend. Please access this link for livestream of the service on July 5th, https://subspla.sh/8n3h59p

In lieu of flowers, Clare’s wishes were to have donations made to Children’s Miracle Network, Memorial Hospital Foundation, Humane Society, Union Gospel Mission, or the charitable organization of your choosing.

“Though we need to weep your loss, You dwell in that safe place in our hearts Where no storm or night or pain can reach you” From, “To Bless the Space Between Us” by John O’Donohue