Wanda June Kimball, 69, of Combs, Arkansas, died Monday, December 30, 2024, in Fayetteville, Arkansas. She was born May 15, 1955 in Bakersfield, California. She was preceded in death by her parents; Betty Glover and Ralph Dudley, and brother; David Dudley.
Wanda was selfless; always putting others above herself. She served her community through volunteer work. Many friends and strangers have been blessed by Wanda providing, not only a warm meal in the café she ran for 30 years, but also through her kindness and generosity. Wanda will be remembered for her servant’s heart, beautiful quilts, her crocheting and definitely for her cooking ability; especially her pies! Wanda had a sense of humor that might leave newcomers guessing how she felt about them. But after visiting with her for just a few minutes, she’d give you that sly smile that confirmed you’d made a friend for life. A friend that was most loving, genuine and loyal. She was always a friend that would be the first to reach out and cook for you during times of sadness and trouble. Wanda loved her friends and family! Several people were her kids, not by blood but by choice! She loved her kids and grandkids tremendously! If you visited her in the store you could always count on kid or grandkid updates and a story.
Wanda is survived by her husband, Gene Kimball of the home; one son, Tim (Tracy) Kimball of Combs; one daughter Becky (Nathan) Whitted of Combs; 4 grandchildren, Caydence Kimball, Addison Kimball, Grayson Whitted, Avery Whitted and one brother, Roy Dudley of Little Rock.
Funeral services will be 10 AM, Friday, January 3, 2025 at Beard’s Funeral Chapel with HM Shipp and Dennis Donahou speaking. Burial will follow at Riverside Cemetery in St. Paul.
No visitation will be held.
Pallbearers will be Dennis Donahou, Derek Donahou, Ben Leftwich, David Williams, Amy Tyree, and Danny Warford.
Honorary pallbearers will be Roy Dudley, Caydence Kimball, Addison Kimball, Grayson Whitted, Avery Whitted, Janelle Riddle, Chuck Stout and Bentley Bottoms.
She was a beautiful Lady inside and outside .she has been my friend since we were kids .The world has lost a great lady. So so sorry for the loss.
Tim,
I’m so sorry, my friend. I can’t imagine the pain you’re going through right now, but please know that I’m here for you in any way you need. I’m keeping you and your family in my thoughts and prayers during this incredibly difficult time.
Your mom always made me feel welcome, and treated me like family. I’ll never forget how kind and warm she was. I know how much she meant to you. I know she was so proud of her kids and grandkids.
Im so sorry ..she and i went through school together..she was in my little group..very kind
Wanda was a very special lady
Met her when we came down riding atv treat us like family
Yes she will be miss
So sorry sending prayers
What a beautiful tribute. I know Roy and anyone he loves has got to be an amazing person. I am sorry you list your sister, but thankful that she taught you so much. My heart is with you and all of your family.
Kristin Owen
Hugs and prayers to her dear family.
This obit was spot on about Wanda.
She was always ready to help others and loved being involved in her kids and grandkids activities.
She loved to hunt and has killed many deer.
She loved to be barefoot.
Even in cold weather.
Even in nursing home she had so many friends. Someone was always stopping by her room to say HI.
Wanda made friends wherever she went.
Wanda was an amazing person and great friend to me. We have so many wonderful memories I will cherish forever. Girl Scouts , Ralph Baker poker run , first responders, famous cook , just to name a few! She will definitely be missed by all. Prayers for the family, heaven gained a beautiful angel . Danny & I will cherish all the wonderful memories.
So very sorry for your loss. Praying for all the family. Wanda was a good neighbor and friend. She will be truly missed.
Oh how I remember working with her at twin oaks Cafe. We had so much fun.. she had a good sense of humor. Yes she was a good cook. She helped with the Ralph Baker pocket run every year until she wasn’t able to get around. My Love to Gene and kids.
My cousin Gene & family, I am so sorry to hear about Wanda. She was always so sweet & caring to us when we came to visit. My mom really liked her. God Bless you all
Wanda was a wonderful person. She will be truly missed. I remember spending the night in her home and helping in her cafe when I got a bit older. She was a wonderful girl scout leader and and extraordinary friend. I miss miss getting her Christmas cards. I will miss her.
From the parsley and Bowerman family Wando is a good honest, loving person. She always give us kids a hug and asked us if we needed anything. Lots of loving memories. Thank you, Wanda.
Thank you Wanda for all your years of dedication to the memorial fund set up in memory of my Dad.
You worked tirelessly until you couldn’t!
We appreciate it!
I always admired how you helped raise your grandchildren while working in the store, they brought you such joy!
My heartfelt condolences and prayers to all her family
Tom and Billie Whorton
Tim. So sorry for your loss your mother was a wonderful person always so friendly
Becky, we are so sorry about your mother. Our hearts ache for you and your family. Love and Prayers, Jeanna, Mike , Aunt Jennie and Melvin
Wanda was the kindest and most wonderful person. She was nice and friendly to everyone she met. She loved her kids and grandchildren. After I started working for the school and got to know Tim and Becky I would say you sure raised two good children and she would give me that little smile and say thank you. She was so proud of them.
Since I have gotten to know her grandchildren I would have to say the same about them. I love seeing Avery and Grayson come through the door (Grayson practically running) every morning with a big smile on their faces. They love school.
She certainly will be missed. May God Bless you all.
Wanda was a great friend for 38 years. I helped her when our girls were little at Girl Scouts. She was always kind and no one loved the it family like she did.
She worked so hard for many years running the cafe and man she could cook.
I will miss her . Godspeed dear friend.
Much love and prayer to her whole family
We always ate at the cafe when we came
To St. Paul. Enjoyed Wanda’s food and conversation many times. She was a blessing to so many. I am glad her pain is over but sorry for your loss
Becky,
I’m so sorry for the loss of your mom. I hope your memories and the peace in knowing her suffering is over give you great comfort during this difficult time.
You and your family are in my thoughts and prayers.
Love you girl!
Vicky
We have many fond memories of Wanda and her family. She was the un official mayor of Combs!! She pretty much knew everyone. We definitely came in as outsiders but she welcomed us as locals before long. One find memorable time was helping her make Becky’s wedding cake!! She was proud ofvtgat once we got all the pieces together!!
So very sorry for your great loss. Miss Wanda was a beautiful person. An angel on this earth. She was a blessing to all who knew her. The angels are rejoicing to have one of their own home! She will and is missed. May God bless you all and give you comfort and peace. 🙏❤️
Elinor FHR