Obituary of Kimberly Ann Busenbark
Kimberly Ann Harbenski was born on May 21, 1967 in Ypsilanti, Michigan. She was one of two daughters born from the union of Gene and Darlene (Centek) Harbenski. Kimberly graduated in 1985 from Monroe High School.
She would marry Thomas Busenbark on October 24, 1987 at St. Patrick Church in Carleton. The couple would be blessed with twin daughters of their own, and for many years, Kimberly stayed home to care for the needs of her family. Once the girls started school, Kimberly, took employment at Calder Dairy Farm where she would assist with making ice cream and directing farm tours. Later, she would take a position with Ford Visteon working on the assembly line.
Always the positive role model, Kimberly believed in molding the creative minds of the 4H program children and with the Belleville Wayne County Fair. She would proudly watch her grandsons show pigs and miniature horses at the fair. Kimberly’s dedication led a fellow volunteer to proclaim that she was a: “A mentor, a cheerleader, an idea maker, a supporter, a uniter, and a friend”.
Above all, family was most important to Kimberly. She loved spending time with her grandchildren, teaching them to bake, especially apple pies. She also exposed them to her love for camping and enjoyed spending many summer nights with them in the “wild”. Kimberly’s favorite quote was: “Welcome to our campfire, where friends and marshmallows get toasted at the same time.”
Sporting a green thumb, Kimberly liked planting her flower beds and garden each year. Canning was a favorite activity and she made delicious salsas, chilis, and spaghetti sauces. It seemed that she could make something wonderful from nothing at all. Kimberly rarely used recipes, making her treats from scratch and memory. When she physically could not take on the planting task, her family lovingly stepped-up to make sure her hydrangeas, lilies and daisies were planted.
Kimberly Ann Busenbark, age 52, of Monroe, passed away on Saturday, May 2, 2020 at 12:25pm at Michigan Medicine in Ann Arbor, Michigan. Her passing was preceded by her grandparents: Andy and Eva Centek; and Mae Harbenski (Carson) and Stanley Harbenski.
To cherish her memory, Kimberly leaves a beloved husband of thirty-two years: Thomas Busenbark; twin daughters: Nikki and Brandy Busenbark; parents: Gene and Darlene Harbenski; a sister: Heather (Dave) Capell; a niece: Hanna Capell and two grandchildren: Bradley Porter-Busenbark and Parker Wise.
Due to current social gathering restrictions, no public services are planned at this time. Merkle Funeral Service, North Monroe, 2442 North Monroe Street (734) 384-5185 has been entrusted with her arrangements.
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