Kim Sue Giesler

Kim Giesler ObituaryObituary published on Legacy.com by Einan's at Hillcrest - Pasco on Mar. 9, 2026.Kimberley Sue Thornton Giesler was born on May 1, 1956, in Tulare, California, to John and Nita Thornton, the third of their four children.Kim spent much of her childhood in California surrounded by cousins and extended family. The Thornton family made up the majority of members in the first branch of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Visalia, and Sundays often felt like family gatherings. Many Sunday evenings were spent at the home of Aunt Margaret and Uncle Vance, where they made homemade ice cream-usually Uncle Vance's favorite flavor, lemon. The kids often added Hershey syrup to the lemon ice cream in hopes of turning it into chocolate ice cream, but it never quite worked.The families frequently went camping and often traveled to Preston, Idaho, to visit their grandparents. While there, the cousins played with an old milk cart and entertained their parents with musical performances. Growing up, the cousins shared many sleepovers, went swimming together, and talked about boys.When Kim was in the ninth grade, her family moved to Smithfield, Utah. During her time there, Kim sang in the school choir and loved performing in churches and other venues. She also enjoyed horses and had one named King that she loved riding-especially fast. During these years, she learned to sew and sometimes even made her own clothes.After graduating from high school, Kim attended Rick's College in Rexburg, Idaho, for one year. While she was attending Rick's, her family moved to Pasco, Washington. After the school year ended, Kim joined them in Pasco for the summer and met David Giesler at their church's Young Single Adult group. Kim and Dave dated through the summer and were married on November 28, 1975, in the Logan Utah Temple. Between 1978 and 1984, they welcomed four children: Shannon, Amber, Laura, and Jordan.Kim stayed busy while raising her children. A lifelong member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, she served in many groups and callings throughout her life, including Sunday School teacher, Young Women's leader, Relief Society worker, choir director, and temple worker. For many years she also served as one of the cooks for Girls' Camp, where the cooks enjoyed teasing, playing pranks, and creating some of the best songs for skit night. The cooks were everyone's favorites.At home, Kim managed the family garden and introduced her children to zucchini, onions, tomatoes (though she was not a big fan), rhubarb, peas, corn, and green beans that never seemed to stop producing. The number of hours spent snapping beans and canning corn would be impossible to calculate. Using the sewing skills she had learned when she was young, she made many outfits for her children over the years-from colorful "jams" (long shorts) to dresses, formals, and even a suit for Dave.Music remained an important part of Kim's life. She played the piano and sang in various church choirs, a community choir, and performances of The Messiah. When her children were young, she often sang to them while playing the piano and helped them with their own piano practice. One memorable favorite was when she played the "Spinning Song". While she played, the kids would run through the house, jumping off couches, spinning in circles and making themselves dizzy. As a grandmother, she often sang to her grandchildren, especially at bedtime. One of their favorite songs was "Black Hills of Dakota" from the musical Calamity Jane.Kim was also a wonderful cook and was known for making excellent cinnamon rolls and cookies. She loved hosting family gatherings and always made sure there was more than enough food for everyone. She also enjoyed traveling and visited Hawaii, Disneyland, Florida, and Costa Rica, often with friends. Many summers, while Dave was busy on the farm, she packed the kids into the van and traveled to Utah, Arizona, or New Mexico for family reunions with her siblings.Kim was a constant supporter of her children and grandchildren and spent countless hours attending their activities and events. She attended music lessons and recitals, swim lessons, dance performances, school plays and concerts, and many sporting events. For several years she also supported her children's involvement in 4-H, helping them raise lambs, steers, and hogs for the fair. Her dedication continued as the grandchildren grew, and she rarely missed an event or activity.When the grandchildren were young, Kim started "Grandkid Camp." It began with the oldest grandchildren going to a campground for fun and adventure with Grandma and Papa. As more grandchildren arrived, the tradition moved to their home. Kim organized crafts, songs, games, relays, sports, and even dance performances for the grandchildren. It became a highlight of the summer, and the kids never wanted to go home.During her time as an empty nester, Kim returned to school at CBC before taking a job at B & B Printing. She worked there for many years before becoming a physical therapy aide at Columbia Physical Therapy. In later years, she finished her working career as a piano teacher.After a long battle with Alzheimer's, Kim passed away peacefully on March 5th, 2026. She is survived by her husband, David Giesler; their children, Shannon (Aaron) Greenhalgh, Amber (Richard) Withers, Laura (Matthew) Pattillo, and Jordan (Kelsi) Giesler; 14 grandchildren; and her siblings, Sandy (Kaye) Burgess, Rick (Denise) Thornton, and Paula (Rickie) Taylor.To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.