of Fort Smith, AR

February 16, 1980 - October 1, 2022

Kimberly Rose (Croft) Gilbert passed from this life on Saturday, October 1st, 2022 at Mercy Hospital in Fort Smith, Arkansas. She was forty two years old.

Kim was born on February 16th, 1980 at St. Edwards Hospital in Fort Smith, Arkansas to her parents, Larry D. and Phyllis E. Croft. She grew up in Scranton (Logan County) and attended school there, graduating from Scranton High School in 1998. After high school, Kim was briefly enrolled at Arkansas Tech University in Russellville.

Kim entered the work force, holding jobs mainly in factory and retail positions. She was a hard worker, sometimes holding down multiple jobs at the same time. She worked until her diabetic condition forced her into early retirement.

Kim was creative and especially loved to draw. She loved sports and was a cheerleader while in high school. She was first, a fan of the Scranton Rockets, then later an avid Arkansas Razorbacks fan, particularly Hog football.

Family meant everything to Kim. She lived just down the road from her mom's parents, Charles and Alice Bauer. Lots of happy memories were made at their house: Egg hunts at Easter, riding on Grandpa's hay wagon (sometimes with Grandma at the wheel!) and looking for that special tree at Christmas, picking up pecans in the old orchard in the fall and simply sitting in the swing and visiting. (And who can forget Grandpa Charles' candy jar?)

Her dad's mom, Martha, step-dad, Fred and grandparents, the Mercer's lived in North Little Rock. They were all wonderful people who had a profound influence on Kimberly as she matured.

Growing up, Kimberly was a member of St. Ignatius Catholic Church in Scranton. She faithfully attended religion classes and made most of her sacraments at this church.

Kim would meet and later marry, Kerry Gilbert. Their only child, Destinee, who will soon turn eight, was the pride and joy of Kim's life. Kerry and Kim's pledge to each other was summed up in these words ''Always and Forever''.

Kimberly is survived by husband, Kerry Gilbert and daughter, Destinee Gilbert, of Fort Smith; her mother, Phyllis E. Croft of Scranton; one sister, Jennifer Mills of Sand Springs, Oklahoma and nephews, Malaki and Mordecai Mills and niece, Trinity Mills of Sand Springs, Oklahoma. Also Surviving is mother-in-law, Dianne Gilbert of Fort Smith.

She was preceded in death by her father, Larry D. Croft and father-in-law, David (Dwayne) Gilbert.

Kim's rosary and visitation are scheduled for 7:00 P.M. Thursday, October 6th, 2022 at St Ignatius Catholic church in Scranton.

Memorial Mass is 10:00 A.M. Friday, October 7th, 2022 at St. Ignatius Catholic Church in Scranton. Burial of cremated remains will be immediately after the memorial mass at St. Ignatius Catholic cemetery. Officiant will be Fr. John Miranda.

Kim's family wishes to thank everyone for all the prayers, words of comfort, phone calls, texts and other forms of support shown to them during this difficult time. Kimberly was diagnosed with diabetes at the age of ten. She well knew the disease that had ravaged her body by the time of her passing. In lieu of flowers, the family kindly request that memorial gifts be made to the American Diabetes Association, P.O. Box 7023, Merrifield, Virginia 22116-7023.

Cremation and memorial mass are under the direction of Roller Funeral Home.

Obituary Provided By:
Roller Funeral Home
1700 East Walnut Street
Paris, AR  72855
www.rollerfuneralhomes.com