Ella Mae Kimmal, 82, of Wamego, Kansas, passed away peacefully on Friday (September 16, 2022) at her home surrounded by her family under the care of St. Croix Hospice. She went to be in her Heavenly Home and joined her husband, Richard, who passed away on September 11, 2022.
Born October 13, 1939 in Aurora, Kansas, Ella Mae was the daughter of Octave and Etta (Chaput) Istas.
Ella Mae was a member of St. Bernard Catholic Church and the St. Bernard Guild. She was an accomplished seamstress, quilter, and cook and enjoyed teaching these skills to many people over the years. A strong faith, positive outlook on life, and sense of humor made Ella Mae a blessing to be around and she was the happiest when giving of herself and helping others in need. She cherished the time she spent with her family, especially her grandchildren and great grandchildren.
She was employed as a bookkeeper for Kaw Valley State Bank for many years until her retirement.
Ella Mae married her high school sweetheart, Richard L. Kimmal on November 16, 1957, at Our Lady of Perpetual Help Catholic Church in Concordia, KS. He preceded her in death on September 11, 2022. They enjoyed nearly 65 years of marriage and shared their love with three children, Cindy Bisnette (Tim) of Wamego, KS, Jerry Kimmal of Concordia, KS, and Kathy Wagoner (Paul) of Wamego, KS. Ella enjoyed being a grandmother to Jamie Swanson (Erik), Sam Bisnette (Magda), Adam Bisnette (Shanna), Jenna Barlow (Scott), and Megan Kugler (Jake) as well as to her twelve great-grandchildren, Keegan, Ameliah, and Emery Swanson, Isaac, Elijah, and Caleb Bisnette, Brenn, Blake and Trey Barlow, and Jax, Kate and Ava Kugler. She is also survived by her sister, Theresa Peltier (Jim) of Concordia, KS and many nieces and nephews.
Ella Mae was preceded in death by her parents; and thirteen siblings, Eldon, Art, Verle, Pat, Buck, Bill, Neoma, Clara, Marceline, Pauline, Marie, Gladys and Melvin.
Cremation arrangements are in the care of Campanella & Stewart Funeral Home in Wamego.
A Memorial Mass for Richard and Ella Mae will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Saturday (October 22, 2022) at St. Bernard’s Catholic Church in Wamego. They will be inurned together at St. Bernard’s Cemetery.
A Memorial visitation will be Friday evening (October 21, 2022) from 5:00 to 7:00 at Campanella & Stewart Funeral Home in Wamego.
Memorial contributions may be made to St. Croix Hospice, Life Choice Ministries or the Wamego Public Library, and may be left in care of Campanella and Stewart Funeral Home of Wamego, P.O. Box 48, 66547.