Our family is heartbroken to share that my sister, Amy, passed away suddenly in her sleep at the age of 50. Her loss is unexpected and has left a huge void in our lives.
Because Amy’s passing was unexpected and she was on disability for many years, she did not have life insurance in place. As our family navigates this profound grief, we are also facing the financial reality of funeral expenses. Amy’s desire was to be laid to rest next to her daughter, Brianna, who passed away February 28, 2000 at the age of 18 months.
Every donation, no matter the amount, will go directly toward her funeral costs. If any money remains it will be given in a donation to a local women’s support home in memory of Amy.
If you are unable to give financially, we ask that you please share this page and keep Amy’s children in your thoughts and prayers.
Thank you for surrounding our family with love during this devastating time. Your kindness and generosity mean more than we can express.
With gratitude,
Charity
Amy Louise Kay Kimball, 50, of Humboldt, formerly of Creston and Des Moines, died Tuesday, February 17, 2026 at her home in Humboldt with her beloved dog, Ellie Kay, by her side. A Celebration of Life will be 11:00am Tuesday, February 24 at Powers Funeral Home in Creston with Pastor Barron Geiger officiating. Open visitation with family will be 9:30-11:00 prior to services. Amy will be laid to rest next to her daughter, Brianna, at Prairie Lawn Cemetery following the service.
Amy was born August 13, 1975, in Des Moines to Daniel Duane Kimball and Shirley Ann Figgins. She was greeted by her big sister and over the years was joined by two more sisters and a brother. Amy was educated in the Des Moines schools and later earned her GED.
In 1996, Amy was united in marriage to Shawn Hilton. From their union came four children - Mikel, Kami, Savanna and Brianna. Through the years Amy worked at Bunn-O-Matic and worked as a waitress in several restaurants including Stella’s Diner in Des Moines.
Amy struggled with addiction from her teenage years on which was a big part of her story. After her daughter, Brianna, died in 2000 Amy had increased struggles. Through the years she fought to be the best mother she could but addiction stole so much from her children.
In December of 2019 Amy moved to Fort Dodge to be closer to her children and begin a new life free of addiction. Despite her past, Amy was able to be the mother to her children she always wanted to be and the mother they always wanted. She remained drug free for the last 7 years of her life and her family was so proud of her. In those 7 years she rebuilt relationships with her children, parents and siblings. Most importantly she was able to be a grandmother to her grandchildren, Lillie, Ryker and JJ who were her pride and joy along with her “5th child”, her dog Ellie Kay. Shortly before her death, Amy asked each of her children for forgiveness for the past, a true step in the healing of their relationships. Amy was finally the grandmother she wanted to be, taking care of her grandchildren the day before her death. She was planning to take care of the grandkids the morning she passed.
Amy is survived by her children, Mikel (Danielle) Hilton of Fort Dodge, Kami of Humboldt, and Savanna (CJ) Hilton of Humboldt; mother and step-father, Shirley and Kevin Gute; siblings, Melissa (Rick) Schad, Kelli Kraus, and Charity (Ryan) Carstensen; grandchildren, Lillie Kay, Ryker Olin Shawn, Jax Jay, Ellie Renae and Liam Daniel and many nieces and nephews.
Amy is preceded in death by her daughter, Brianna Kay, father, Daniel Kimball, her brother, Chad Veach, father of her children, Shawn Hilton, nephews Carl and Simon, and grandparents, Olin and Vera Kimball.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to the family and sent to Powers Funeral Home.