Kimberly A. Boynton

Kimberly (Whitaker) Boynton, 67, of Harbor Springs passed away peacefully while surrounded by family on December 4th, 2024. 

Kim, a lifelong resident of Harbor Springs, was born to Hattie and Robert Whitaker on April 26, 1957. Kim was the youngest of three children and enjoyed the company of her older brother Curtis Whitaker and older sister Pam (Whitaker) Bielas. From the young age of 16, Kim became a natural caretaker, starting a job at Emmet County Care Facility, as a part of her school’s co-op program. She eventually graduated from Harbor Springs High School in the year of 1975. She would continue a forty-year career working as a certified nurse’s aide at both Bortz Healthcare Facility and Emmet County Care Facility. Kim was known amongst her co-workers as a true joy, and someone who take great care of her patients. Kim’s co-workers turned into lifelong friends, and they noted that she was born for her role as a CNA. She would treat all her patients as if they were her own family. 

Kim’s role as a caretaker did not end at work, as she looked after many nieces and nephews and, ultimately, her own children, Dustin Coonrod born in 1980 and twins Dennis and Brooklyn Boynton born in 1998. Kim married her husband, Dennis Boynton, in December of 1997 and enjoyed a marriage of 27 years. 

After working as a CNA for 40 years, Kim spent her retirement cooking/baking, enjoying her favorite soap opera/cooking shows, and singing. Kim’s family and friends describe her as someone who would remain kind and strong, even when faced with difficult situations. She was eternally selfless, always putting the needs of others above her own. Above all else, she always knew how to put a smile on your face when faced with tough times. 

Kim was predeceased by her mother and father, Hattie and Robert Whitaker, as well as her brother, Curtis Whitaker. She is survived by her husband, Dennis Boynton, and children, Dustin Coonrod, Brooklyn and Dennis Boynton, as well as sister Pam (Whitaker) Bielas, sister-in-law, Shirley Whitaker, many nieces/nephews, and great nieces/nephews. 

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at the Holy Childhood of Jesus Church Catholic Church in Harbor Springs on Tuesday, December 17th at 11AM, with visitation beginning at 10:00 AM. Those who wish are asked to consider memorial contributions to the family at 7900 W. Stutsmanville Road, Harbor Springs, MI, 49740 (care of Dennis Boynton).