Kimberly Ann Merrill

On January 10, 2021, Kim Merrill, surrounded by the love of family and friends, peacefully traded this world for one filled with pure love, perpetual kindness, laughter and most definitely cancer free. Kim was a fierce cancer warrior throughout her too brief battle. She controlled cancer’s impact on her outlook and not the other way around. Diagnosed early in the coronavirus pandemic, she fought cancer with brave determination in a time of isolation and lockdowns. During chemotherapy, she never missed a zoom call with friends nor time with family. Her cheerful optimism was tested but never broken, and she inspired all who knew her to look for the good in each day.

Kim was born in Elkhorn, Wisconsin, and then grew up in Kaufman, Texas. She graduated from the University of Texas at Austin and became a highly successful and accomplished advertising executive, a small-town girl at the top of a male dominated profession. Kim was President of UPROAR!, an agency based in Dallas and Manhattan, with a focus on children. With cherished colleagues and clients, Kim led UPROAR! to become a force in the advertising industry. Kim’s talent, creativity, dedication and goodness overcame all professional challenges, and she continued her leadership in the advertising industry throughout her life. Kim loved her colleagues, friends and clients at RAPP and greatly appreciated their support throughout her battle against cancer.

For Kim, there was nothing better in life than being with friends or family. A talented chef by nature and a great planner, she instigated a multitude of gatherings and trips. She loved the water, Nantucket, the lake house in Wisconsin and Asti, but mainly she loved people. Kim’s death leaves a large hole in the hearts of a huge number of people, a measure of a successful life.

“Aunt Tim” as her young niece and nephew referred to her, was the storybook aunt. She never forgot a birthday or special event. Kim spoke to her sister Mary every day, regardless of her location. A loving daughter to Jim and Donna, always looking after their best interests and including them in her life’s big decisions.

Those who will miss her and be grateful for her life include her parents, Jim and Donna, sister Mary and brother-in-law David, beloved niece and nephew Kendall and Greyson, Aunt and Uncle Diane and John Madison, cousins Jeff and Dawn and their families, Aunt Linda, cousins Cindy and Cheryl and their families and her much loved Dallas gang and a legion of friends around the world.

Kim, your life was too short but one of consequence. A few paragraphs cannot adequately describe your impact on others. Your unconditional love, kindness and loyalty will always set the mark. You had a beautiful, caring soul. Her friends agreed that, “Kim was like the hub of a spoked wheel for hundreds of people. She connected us from all over the world”. For so many, you made each day better and brighter, and we will miss you.

Due to current restrictions on gathering, a celebration of Kim’s life will take place at a later date. For those desiring, a memorial in Kim’s name may be directed to:

www.journalism.utexas.edu (click GIVE) or www.foundationforwomenscancer.org