In Memory of

KIM

R.

VILLA

(Smith)

Obituary for KIM R. VILLA (Smith)

January 21, 2019: In the early hours of a crisp and frosty morning, under a full moon, Kim Villa let go of life and passed peacefully on beyond the stars. Since she had no sense of direction, the Angels must have come to guide her home, though Kim most likely did a lot of backseat driving.

Balloons, Frisbees, and even roundabouts caused her great nervousness; yet, there was no fear of death, and over the years, she had "knock-knock-knocked" on Heaven's door many times with medical issues. It was her wish to be in her own bed with her dog, Pooja Lohdia, by her side when the time came and the door opened. She was so very weary and went to rest just as she wanted.

This strong determined woman was born to Roland and Nancy Smith of Suomi Location, November 20, 1957. She got the strength and practicality of her father, and, the silliness, humor and wonder of her mom.

Kim graduated from Negaunee High School in 1975; and in 1985, with 2 small children now in school, she earned her LPN degree. She worked in various nursing homes in the area, ending her career as a charge nurse at Eastwood Nursing Home. However, she believed her greatest accomplishment was her children and grandchildren. When she spoke of them, she was most proud of them being "good people with beautiful hearts" and that they, too, loved to LAUGH. She felt indescribable joy in the love her grandchildren gave their "GAGA".

Kim was just FUN! She could tell a good story but was also an appreciative listener. Hearing her laugh was a truly joyful experience. Blessed with an uncanny ability to get people to open up to her with their life-stories whether it was a friend or a store clerk. She even had a tele-marketer sharing his life with her.

As much as she enjoyed the unusual and unique qualities in people, she trusted animals more. Her love of animals was legendary, at one time having acquired an assortment of pets that would qualify as an Urban Zoo. The most exotic was an iguana she raised from the size of a green bean to a healthy 6 ft. lizard.

She will be greatly missed by her two daughters, Jaime (Lyle Warner - Joey and Andrew) Villa of Ishpeming and Lindsey Ringuette of Negaunee; a sister, Amy (Deb) Braun of Springfield, Virginia; three grandchildren: Amelia McCormick, Nolan and Emma Ringuette; nephew, Ian Smith of Charlottesville, Virginia; dear friend, Miriam Leppaluoto of Negaunee; former husband and special friend, Steve ‘Vince’ Villa; mother-in-Law, Kathleen ‘Skippy’ Villa and her children, Paul Villa and Julie (Brent) Nault all of Negaunee; and a collection of aunts, uncles, cousins and friends both near and far.

Preceding Kim to the great beyond were her parents, Roland and Nancy Smith; beloved grandmother, Violet (Darv) Smith; and father-in-Law Vincent ‘Pancho’ Villa. Also, many pets over the years, too many to name, but all loved with the same passion.

Kim wanted to express her gratitude to Kent and Tyler Jenema of Peninsula Pharmacy, Dr. Scott Jandron of Northern Veterinary Associates, and Hendrik Van Den Ende, MD for their kindness and caring.

To honor Kim's life, it would be entirely appropriate to show love and spend time with an animal of some kind.

Memorial services and Celebration of Life will be held at 11:00 am on Saturday, January 26th at Koskey Funeral Home, with Rev. Douglas Norquist of Community Lutheran Church, Suomi Location officiating. Interment will be in Bakkala Cemetery. The family will greet relatives and friends for one hour prior to services at the funeral home on Saturday, and also at a luncheon at the Negaunee Elks Lodge immediately following services.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be directed in Kim’s memory to Northern Veterinary Associates, Ishpeming, for the fund used to defray costs of services for those needing help.

The family would like to thank the Koskey Funeral Home for taking care of one of their own.

Kim’s memorial page may be viewed at koskeyfuneralhome.com, where memories and condolences may be shared.