Kimberly Jean (Burger) Watts-Boomershine, 76, of Elkhart, Indiana, passed away peacefully on August 21, 2025, in hospice care, surrounded by her loving family.

She was born on June 9, 1949, in Cleveland, Ohio, to Carl and Lois Maxine (DeGraff) Burger. Kimberly was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Norris Boomershine, whom she married on October 1, 1977; and her sisters, Candice and Theresa Burger.

She is survived by her daughters, Lisa Watts (Brad Lewallen) of Austin, Texas, and Tracy Huff (Reggie Huff) of Owensboro, Kentucky; her sister, Alexis Knudson Malek of Mishawaka; her brother, Ted Knudson (Melody Knudson) of Elkhart; and her stepson, Jerry Boomershine of Chicago. She also leaves behind five beloved grandchildren—Taylor Ritchie of Bloomington, Indiana; Halie Jones (Tyler Jones) of Bloomington; Nick Ritchie of Elkhart; Winston Papadopoulos (Matthew Lang) of Chicago; and Alsanna Watts of Indianapolis. In addition, she is survived by her nephews, Matthew Miller (Theresa Miller) and Tyler Knudson, both of Elkhart; and her niece, Heidi Lujan (Mark Lujan) of Chicago.

A creative entrepreneur at heart, Kimberly had a passion for antiques, art, and jewelry. Over the years she founded the Beardsley Avenue Antique Mall in Elkhart, a small vintage shop on Bower Street, and a dress shop in Mishawaka during the 1980s. Her homes were a reflection of her style—filled with antique furniture, velvet drapes, traditional rugs, and historical treasures. Fashionable to the last detail, she was always perfectly polished with impeccable hair, makeup, and nails.

Kimberly loved people and gatherings. From Fourth of July poolside parties at the Millers, to Friday night Euchre games at her sister Theresa's house, to epic Christmas night celebrations at the Strong Avenue home, she made every occasion feel special. She cherished family dinners at Flytrap's in Elkhart, hosted holiday parties where everyone dressed to impress, and was always ready to sing or dance—never shy about taking the stage or a microphone.

A lifelong resident of Elkhart, Kimberly treasured the town and the closeness of her family. In the late 1960s, she lived on Beardsley Street, just doors away from her sister Theresa and a few blocks from her mother. Elkhart was not just her home, but the place where her fondest memories were made.

Deeply committed to women's rights, Kimberly was a staunch feminist who volunteered as an operator and counselor for a domestic abuse hotline. She actively supported the ERA amendment, civil rights, and political candidates who championed equality. In her honor, donations may be made to the National Organization for Women (NOW), Equality Now, the Elkhart County Women's Shelter, or any women's advocacy group of your choice. Kimberly would be proud knowing the fight continues in her name.