Kimberly “Kim” Sue Carnahan
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Kimberly “Kim” Sue Carnahan, 65, of Independence, Missouri, passed away June 3, 2026. Kim was born to Ethan and Irene Carnahan in Kansas City, Missouri on June 24, 1960. She graduated from East High School (Go Bears!) in 1978. After stints at Hav-A-Snack and Sears, Kim began her career at Southwestern Bell (now AT&T), where she would eventually retire after 31 years of service. Not ready to settle completely into retirement, Kim went to work part time at Olympic Pools, then Jack Cooper, where she transported vehicles for Ford Moter Company. She made lifelong friends through her career and added to that list in her post retirement positions. Kim had more friends than “Carter had pills”.
Always a generous person, Kim volunteered at AT&T Pioneers, serving her community by wrapping presents for children, serving spaghetti dinners at the Ronald McDonald House, Special Olympics and parking cars at Santa-Cali-Gon Days. She also supported and made contributions to KC Pet Project and other various charities.
Kim loved passing time with her longtime partner, Sandi, in a cabin at the lake, fishing. She was an avid Chiefs fan, loved music and chatting on the phone with her friends. She especially loved the Beatles, daisies, and her pets. Kim’s pets were her kids, and she cherished and was devoted to them.
During her recent health challenges, Kim had expressed a wish to feel her mom’s arms around her. There’s comfort in knowing Irene was waiting for Kim with open arms, ready to hug her.
Kim was preceded in death by her parents; brother Gary and sister Frances. She is survived by her longtime partner Sandi; Sandi’s children and grandchildren; brother Larry (Gina), sister Sandra; and many nieces, nephews and cousins who she loved very much. In addition, Kim leaves behind a much-loved friend group, who refer to themselves as “The Hens”. Brenda and Denise were part of this group and were lifelong friends with Kim. Sis, Dawn, Myrna, Melinda, Peggy and Carrie made the rest of the founding members of “The Hens”, with additional friends being added throughout the years.
A Celebration of Life will be held from 5-9pm, Friday, June 26, 2026, at the Grain Valley Community Center, 713 N. Main St, Grain Valley, Missouri 64029.
Kim was a friend to all. We need more folks like her. God bless
Kim brighten my day in so many ways , I loved her when she was here and love her still today she was feisty and fierce and had the biggest heart of most anyone I knew it was a great honor to be apart of her friend circle for the time I got to be her friend .. I miss her already but I also know she’s going to be cheering on those chiefs from where she is and that makes my heart smile … Thanks for being a tough ole gal Kim thanks for loving everyone as u did .. my prayers tò the family
Kim & Sandi were among the first to welcome Tm & I to our new home & neighborhood, she was a caring & thoughtful neighbor & friend, always checking in on us. She will be missed
I met Kim through her sister Sandra many years ago when she was young. She was soo adorable. We both went on with our lives but always talked on the phone every few years just to check on each others lives. We shall miss her.
I have some fun High School memories of Kim in gym class. She was the only person I knew that really liked Grand Funk Road
God Bless to all that loved her
Kim always had a great sense of humor and a kind heart. Blessings to you Sandi!