Nola Roena Kimble

Nola Roena Kimble

Nola Roena Kimble, 85, owner-manager of the Indian jewelry store Blackbear's Ltd., died Sunday (May 3, 1998) at Friendly Acres.

She was born April 18, 1913, to Joseph W. Davidson and Alice L. (Alexander) Davidson in Hope. She married Wayne L. Simmonds in 1939, who she divorced. She later married F. Blackbear Bosin in 1953. He preceded her in death. She then married Marvin L. Kimble in 1981. He preceded her in death.

She loved flowers, Indian jewelry and artifacts and her dog, Sadi. She attended public schools in Emporia and graduated from the Kansas State Teachers College in Emporia. She was awarded a lifetime teaching certificate and a bachelor of arts degree. She taught high school in Smith Center and Smith County for six years. After marrying Simmonds, they moved to California, where they lived for several years. In 1949, she returned to Wichita and worked at Boeing for 23 years. She worked at a half-way house for adults in Wichita for 12 years and owned Blackbear's Ltd. with Bosin.

In 1993, she had two strokes.

Survivors include a son, Dr. David Wayne Simmonds of Newton; a step-daughter, Sharon Kimble Parker of Morrison, Colo.; two grandchildren; and two step-grandchildren. She also was preceded in death by a brother, Harvey.

Services will be at 2 p.m. Wednesday at Resthaven Mortuary Chapel, 11800 W. Highway 54 in Wichita.

Memorials may be sent to the Sedgwick County Zoo, 5555 Zoo Boulevard, Wichita, KS 67212.