Kimberly Joy Cross passed away February 19, 2026. Kim was born April 25, 1957 to Thomas and Heddy Cross. She grew up in Vicksburg, graduating from Vicksburg High School in 1975. Kim had a short marriage to her high school sweetheart, Rick VanDyke. Their beloved son, Rick A. VanDyke, was born on her father’s birthday. Kim was an adventurous soul and lived and loved with passion. Kim lived in many parts of the country and had many professions. In the 80’s she worked at Circus, Circus in Las Vegas and later, the renowned restaurant, Segovia’s in Monterey, California. In the 90s she owned Cross Country beauty salon in Plainwell and in the 2000s she worked for Perrigo in Allegan. She eventually became a vet technician for Pharmacia in Portage which was her favorite career. She bred huskies, owned horses, and adopted cats. Kim was preceded in death by her parents and her brother-in-law, Greg Ackerman. She is survived by her son, Rick (Shanon Stuckhardt); sister, Vicki Ackerman; brothers, Tom (Connie Durrstein) Cross and Todd (Cindy) Cross; aunt, Karen Mattmiller; and nieces, nephews and many beloved cousins. Vicky and Dave Powers were also very important in Kim’s life. Kim’s family feels she would like to leave her family and friends with these words from Hunter S. Thompson: “Life should not be a journey to the grave with the intention of arriving safely in a pretty and well-preserved body, but rather to skid in broadside in a cloud of smoke, thoroughly used up, totally worn out, and loudly proclaiming ‘Wow! What a ride!’”
