Kimberly Jean Tariske, 55, of Whitehall, passed away peacefully in Grand Rapids on Friday, September 13, 2024, surrounded by some of her most cherished loved ones. Kim was born July 4, 1969, in Hart, the daughter of Willard (Bill) and Pamela (Amstutz) Willson.

After completing her education at Shelby Public Schools in 1987, she moved to Boston, MA to be a live-in nanny with a family whom she often shared memories about. When she returned home, she married Donnie Shafer, in December of 1989, and went on to have two children, Tyler and Mitchell. Although they did not stay married, they were an exemplary example of co-parenting! While starting her family, she also completed her Bachelor's Degree at Grand Valley State University.

Kim met her now husband, Scott Tariske in late 1993, together they had Hannah, and got married on January 14, 2000. A few homes, blending and building a family, some very important pets, a cross country move (twice), one open heart surgery, plus so many cherished moments created years of stories and wide-ranging memories. They weathered many storms together, and at the end of the day, they didn't know how to live without each other.

A passionate advocate of those with intellectual/developmental disabilities, she worked and managed a group home, "Michigan Street" in Rothbury, for several years before working for West Michigan CMH as a Case Manager. When she left Community Mental Health, she was able to focus on home and her kiddos.

Within the last few years, she was back into the workforce. She absolutely adored the Robart sisters, whom she spent several days and nights caring for. She also worked part time at Posh by Pitkin. She loved meeting and making many friends in her day to day interactions.

After her initial run in with health issues in 2015, she went to Henry Ford Hospital, in Detroit, and had a mechanical mitral valve replacement in March of 2016. After conquering open heart surgery, she found so much love for life and spending time with family.

Kim is survived by: her husband, Scott; children, Tyler Shafer of Grand Rapids, Mitchell Shafer (Arica Seaney) of North Muskegon, and Hannah  Tariske (Chris Mahoney) of Whitehall; parents, Willard and Pam of Chase; brother, Jeff Willson of Beulah; in-laws, Tim and Carol Tariske of Hart; sister-in-law, Sarah (Scott Plank) Davila of Hart; brother-in-law, Steve Tariske of Hart; several grandkids, both her own and some she treated as if they were hers, and 3 nieces that she loved very much.

Kim was preceded in death by: her grandparents, Ogden and Addy Amstutz and Willard and Enid Willson; Most recently her uncle, David Amstutz; Along with a plethora of dogs (and a few cats) she had loved and cared for over the years.

The unique mark Kim has left on the lives of many shall not be forgotten. She touched more lives than she even knew and will be missed by more than she could have ever imagined.

In accordance with Kim's wishes, cremation has taken place, and A Celebration of Life will be held in the fall.

Beacon Cremation & Funeral Service, White Lake Chapel, is in charge of arrangements.

www.beaconfh.com