Carolyn Michelle Kimball
January 20, 1971 - August 23, 2024
Carolyn Michelle Kimball, affectionately known as Michelle, passed away peacefully on August 23, 2024, in Tulsa, Oklahoma, with her loving family by her side. Born on January 20, 1971, in Tulsa to Learl and Sandra Rice, Michelle spent her early years in the Tulsa area and attended high school in Sand Springs. It was during this time she met the love of her life, David Kimball. For David, it was love at first sight, and despite wondering what she saw in him at that age, she returned his feelings, and their relationship blossomed into the kind of love that is found in a storybook.
On August 8, 1987, they married, and soon after, they began their family. Michelle was a natural mother, whose patience, dependability, and nurturing spirit made her the perfect anchor for her children. Her life revolved around them, and her love only deepened with the arrival of her grandchildren. Saturdays were often spent traveling all over the greater Tulsa area, cheering them on in their various sports (even soccer), her presence a source of encouragement and love, even when health challenges made it difficult. Being sick never stopped her from being there for her family. They were the source of her joy and the reason for her living.
Michelle’s giving, passionate, and dependable nature extended beyond her family to her work and close friends. She was known for her hard work and the graceful way she navigated life’s challenges. A true compass to her husband, children, and many others, Michelle was often heard saying, "You can't go wrong doing right." Her faith in the Lord remained unwavering, even through the toughest times, and her family takes comfort in knowing she is now in His embrace.
She is preceded in death by father, Learl Rice.
Michelle is survived by her beloved husband of 37 years, David; her cherished children, Jarred Kimball and his wife Paige, Bryant Kimball and his wife Mariah, and Lauren Lewis and her husband Corey; her adored grandchildren, Easton Kimball, Aiden Lewis, Caroline Kimball, Kallen Lewis, Tucker Kimball, Emory Lewis, and Tatum Kimball; her devoted mother, Sandra Rice; her siblings, Rhonda Leeds, Frank Rice, Teresa Holmes, and Chris Rice; as well as extended family and countless friends who were touched by her kindness and love.
A service to honor Michelle’s life and memory will be held at 1:00 pm, on Friday, August 30, 2024, at
BattleCreek Church - South Tulsa,
8855 E 91st St, Tulsa, OK 74133
Flowers may be ordered from the Wild Orchid Florist by calling (918) 254-1819 or visiting wildorchidflorist.com.
David, I am so sorry to hear of your loss. I send my sincere condolences to you and your family during this difficult time. Terrie Portman
Sandra this your cousin my family and my self are so sorry to hear about Michelle I remember her as a little girl she was so cute and friendly! Again so sorry for your loss! RIP Michelle…love to your family - Bobby Lephew and family
Love you guys! I will miss seeing her smile. Always so reserved and quiet in public, I think she loved it when David would tease her. My thoughts and prayers are with you! - Wes Leeds
David- I was so saddened to hear of the passing of your wife. I pray that all the great memories you and your family have of her life with you will help get you thru this very difficult time. My condolences to you and your family. Take care. - Mike Lauer
Our family has suffered a great loss with the passing of Michelle. She is truly a much- loved family member. I will forever think of her fondly and pray the family will lean on our Lord for strength and comfort. - Jeanette King
David, I am so sorry to learn of your wife's passing. The way your face lights up when you speak of Michelle told me what a special love and admiration you had for her. I am so glad you were able to share another milestone anniversary together. I will be thinking of you and your family during this difficult time. Sending hugs to you all in Tulsa! - Sincerely, Kaitlyn Ray
David, I so wish our family hadn't lived away most of our adult years but we did and it kept us from knowing Michelle as deeply as we could have. But one thing we knew is SHE LOVED YOU!! He eyes showed it all. Especially when you were acting like a nut her dancing eyes and giggle said it all. I'm grateful to her for loving and caring for my baby brother thru 37 years. It means a lot to know family members are loved and taken care of. Davey, you are blessed to of had her love you. I know God will carry you thru and we will all be together in heaven very soon and I'm looking forward to our family compound on the ocean together. "Absent from the body...present with the Lord." So glad mom and dad taught us that. May God comfort you as you lead your family thru this difficult time. I love you and miss you. To the only one who calls me Sis. - Sharon Fields
I’m so sorry of Michell’s passing. I Always envied your marriage. Everyone who knew and saw you knew how much you loved ea h other. Prayers for you and all your family. - Joan Kimball