Kimberly Galey

With so much love to give, Kimberly “Kimmy Jo” Galey was kind and compassionate with a heart that beat to care for others. She was determined and hard-working, never afraid of a challenge. Kimmy Jo was a genuine free spirit who wasn’t concerned about what others thought of her, rather she was dedicated to remaining true to herself. With what would seem to be so many years in front of her, Kimmy Jo’s bright light was suddenly extinguished, leaving all who knew and loved her with a gaping chasm in their hearts and souls that will never be filled. The memories she leaves behind have now become such precious treasures that will be forever cherished.

During a year in which the Watergate scandal was making headlines, Gerald R. Ford was sworn in as President after Nixon’s resignation, and the worst tornado outbreak in American history left 33 people dead in a path that covered more than 2500 miles, 1974 was unlike any other in our nation’s history. This was a year of great celebration in the family of Terry and Pamela (VanAuken) Galey as they welcomed the birth of their daughter, Kimberly Jo, on June 26th. Kimberly, who was most often called Kimmy Jo, was born in Lansing, Michigan and was a cranky baby who cried a lot but was very active as well. As a young girl one of her favorite things to do was watch Christmas shows on television, especially “Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer” which she even enjoyed as an adult. Kimmy Jo also liked making little snowmen even though her brother Jeff usually kicked them over. Perhaps it helped her cope with the mishap to know that he usually had to pay the price for squelching her work! Kimmy Jo looked up to her Aunt Shelley, liked everything about her, and wanted to be just like her when she grew up. Children of this generation amused themselves with the Rubik’s cube and pet rocks while popular names in music included Billy Joel, Pink Floyd, and of course, Madonna in the mid-eighties. Kimmy Jo was raised in Lansing and attended local schools there.

There were so many things about Kimmy Jo that established roots during her younger years and continued to blossom throughout the rest of her life. She had a mind of her own and was free-spirited, and she was both stubborn and generous as well. Kimmy Jo was trusting, always saw the good in everyone, and would do anything for anyone. When she was in grade school she even brought home an elderly man and wanted to take care of him. Kimmy Jo simply loved others, was forever considerate of the feelings of others, and was such a happy and contented girl.

When it came to school, some parts of Kimmy Jo’s experience in school were easier than others. Academics did not come easy for her, but she was a girl of great determination and when she put her mind to something, she could always accomplish anything. When it came to her social life, Kimmy Jo was a natural as she was liked by all and made friends easily. She enjoyed going to parties and was a great dancer with Madonna’s music being among some of her favorite dance tunes. Kimmy Jo had dreamed of being a cheerleader ever since she was a young girl and that dream came to fruition when she became a cheerleader at Waverly High School in Lansing. During her high school years she dressed the way she wanted and didn’t really concern herself with what others thought of her.

With her high school years behind her, Kimmy Jo became a Certified Nurse’s Aid (C.N.A.) in staying true to her heart’s desire to care for others. She worked at Dimondale Center, a nursing home in Dimondale, located southwest of Lansing. She remained there for nine years until she went to work for Hospice of Lansing where she remained for the rest of her life.

Kimberly Jo Galey was a woman who made it seem effortless to love and care for others, even as a young girl. In fact, it was a common occurrence for Kimmy Jo to set her own needs aside in order to give preference to the needs of others. She had an unmistakable love for life and like a spectacular rainbow, she added so much color to the world around her. Kimmy Jo was a stranger to none and a friend to all, and she also had close relationships with her numerous family members. Although her family and friends now say goodbye, they will forever hold dear each and every moment they were given to share with Kimmy Jo – her life ended much too soon. She will be dearly missed.

Kimberly Jo Galey died December 7, 2009. Kimmy Jo’s family includes her parents, Terry Galey and Pamela (Brad) Blemaster; step-father, Frank (Darlene) Farmer; sisters and brothers, Amanda (Phil) Welsh, Jeff (Phoebe) Galey, Krystal Farmer, Michael (Morgan) Snider, Jason (Alysha) Blemaster, Chris (Lisa) Blemaster, Kyle Blemaster, Anthony Bancroft; grandparents, Betty VanAuken, Joan(Lou) Cummings and Eulah Blemaster; many nieces, nephews, aunts and uncles. Preceding her in death are grandparents, Ralph and Doris VanAuken, Lynn and Thelma Galey. Uncles, Gary Galey and Richard VanAuken. Funeral Services will be at 11:00 a.m., Saturday, December 12, 2009 at Osgood Funeral Home, 104 E. Cass St., St. Johns, MI, with Pastor Kathy Leydorf officiating, burial at Dimondale Cemetery in Dimondale, MI. The family will receive friends at the funeral home, 2-4 and 6-8 p.m., Friday. Please visit www.lifestorynet.com where you can leave a favorite memory or photo, sign the online guestbook, or make a memorial contribution to Ele’s Place in memory of Kimmy Jo.