Kimberly Anne Emerson-Santa, 53, passed away peacefully at Kalispell Regional Medical Center on Aug. 14, 2014.
She was born to parents David Allen Emerson and Anne Marie Emerson in Highland Park near Detroit, Michigan.
She is survived by husband Scott James Santa; and her three children, Alicia, Anthony and Daniel.
Kim had an incredibly rich, creative childhood, full of travel and excitement. Growing up outside of Disneyland in southern California where her dad worked as a professional magician, she and her family traveled around the country on an amazing journey. She attended a Catholic school as a young lady where she developed her keen love of reading and the arts.
Kim excelled at oil painting, sewing and knitting, and classical guitar, and had a natural ability to create art with a perfectionist touch. An advanced student for her age, Kim graduated from high school at 16, before moving north and settling in the Flathead Valley of Montana where she later gained her associate degree.
Kim was a very compassionate, giving person and besides caring for her children and husband, she provided educational support for two girls from the Philippines.
As a professional, Kim was a reference librarian, business accountant and real estate broker.
Kim had an endless thirst for knowledge and learning, and especially loved history, religion and science. She also was a genealogist and volunteered her time to help friends trace their family lineages. Kim loved to garden and travel with her family.
Kim and her husband Scott fell in love on Flathead Lake racing sailboats and were married for 22 years.
Services will be held for Kim at 1 p.m. on Tuesday, Aug. 19 at Buffalo Hill Funeral Home in Kalispell.