Kimberly Catherine Arrubarrena

Kimberly Catherine Arrubarrena 1972-2020

On July 22, 2020 in Boise, ID, Kim, 48, passed away peacefully in her home, surrounded by her loving family members and friends. She was born in Pocatello, ID on May 27, 1972. Kim graduated Melba high school in 1990. She was a loving and caring individual who always unselfishly helped others. She was employed by Blue Cross of Idaho as a motivated Supervisor and took great pride in her job. There, she mentored her associates and provided guidance for them to become the ultimate professional. She was always empathetic towards her co-workers’ needs. She not only counseled them on work-related issues but was inspirationally compassionate and trustworthy with her team’s personal lives as well.

Kim was the designated “fixer” in her family and was deeply loved by her sister, brother, mother, and husband. She was always joyful, spunky, positive, and had an infectious laugh. She always saw the glass half-full and always had an optimistic outlook. Her interests and hobbies included arts, crafts, and photography. She loved to decorate her family home with her jubilant artwork along with framed inspirational quotes.

Kim was preceded in death by her unborn child, father, Jon “Pops” Thompson, and father-in-law, Tony “Papa” Arrubarrena Sr. She is survived by her husband, Tony Arrubarrena Jr. They will celebrate eight years of marriage in October. They treasured raising their two Mini-Aussies, Kaixo and Txiki. Surviving family members include her mother: Mary Thompson, brother: Dave Hermansen, sister: Joni Strom, her husband: Tony, mother in-law: Victoria Arrubarrena, her sisters-in-laws, and several nieces and nephews.

As mothers we think about our children day and night. We love them and we know their hearts. From birth Kim’s heart was wrapped in kindness and joy. It was her mission to spread love and give hope to all of those around her.  She believed in laughter and she believed in tears. She had compassion for everyone. She was a wise and beautiful soul who ascended into the arms of Jesus much too soon. I am so blessed to be called her mother. I love you forever sweet Kimmie.

 
From Joni: Kim was the funnest best friend I ever had. We were silly and more ourselves around each other than anyone else. Her sense of humor and carefree personality exceeded everyone else’s. I will miss our goofy rants and laughter that others would never understand. She always kept me out of trouble. She was always there for me. There is no better friend than my sister who was a gift to my heart. Her actions taught us all to be selfless and compassionate to others, to love, laugh, and embrace every moment of life. She always wanted the best for me and everyone else. Kim, till we meet again, I will remember to reach out to others and listen, just like you always did.

 
As my little “twin” sister, Kim was a confidant and an example of kindness. She was one of the few people that I could always be 100% honest and transparent with, as she never judged. She only loved. She was always kind to everyone and she loved doing whatever it took to bring others to a higher place. Her spirit will continue to live within me in all the lessons that she left behind. Lessons of love and caring for others, being selfless, and raising oneself higher by praising others. She showed unbelievable strength during her final days by staying positive when most others would succumb to misery. Her strength will always live with me.

As a wife, you were my best friend as well. I was able to share my laughter, hopes and disappointments with you. No matter what happened, you were the one I knew I could turn to for comfort, advice, and encouragement. You were the one person who really knew the one, true me, yet you still chose me as your groom. Our favorite quote was: “The best part of the day is when you and me become we”.

A funeral mass will be celebrated in St. Mark’s Catholic Community, 7960 W. Northview, Boise, ID, on Friday, August 7, 2020 at 11:00, by Father Ben Uhlenkott and Deacon Mike Lowe. A memorial reception will be scheduled at a later date. The wearing of masks will be required for attendees. Designated seating to ensure social-distancing will be provided. For those unable to attend, the service can also be viewed live on the Home page of St.

Mark’s website:
https://www.stmarksboise.org/.
In lieu of flowers, the family suggest that memorial donations in Kim’s name be made to the PEER Wellness Center located at 5371 W. Franklin St., Boise, ID, 83705.