Kimberly Dawn "Beaux" Boyd

Kim peacefully entered paradise, surrounded by her wife and loved ones.

Kim was born on January 22, 1964 to Bertha Wood (Boyd) and William Chandler. She was the youngest of the four daughters on her mother’s side, and the youngest sibling on her father’s side, with an older sister and brother. Kim grew up only knowing her mother’s family.

As a child, Kim loved playing outside. While her sister Sue mothered her and wanted her to play with dolls, Kim preferred playing with trucks. She had such a love for animals from an early age as well. In addition, Kim loved collecting rocks and playing with fire…which has never changed.

While Kim attended Galesburg-Augusta Schools, she received her high school diploma later on life, deciding to spend many years cultivating real-world experience to add to her achievement.

Kim experienced homelessness, and this event in her life had a profound impact on her. While it inspired her to be a champion of the people, often volunteering, it also led her to some of her greatest friends for life, and of course, to her beautiful wife, Kate.

Throughout the years, Kim worked as a groundskeeper and custodian with local Kalamazoo businesses. She was very proud of her work, particularly of planting the pine trees along Dickman Avenue, and made many friends along the way.

Together for 38 years, Kim was joined in marriage to Kate on September 25, 2021.

Kim is survived by her wife Cathy “Kate” May; dogs Bella and Remy; sisters Janie (Tim) Watson, Betsy (Jim) Davis, Susan Moleski; stepsiblings Danny (Sandy) Wood, Sally Prielipp; brothers-in-law Roy Vaughn, Philip (Carrie) May, Michael (Tracy) May; many nieces and nephews, godchildren and many, many special friends.

She was preceded in death by her mother Bertha Wood; father William Chandler; stepfather Charles Wood; siblings Katie Vaughn and Marvin Chandler; stepsibling Leon Wood; sister-in-law Diane Wood; brothers-in-law Robert May and Charles May.

Kim was an extraordinary person that lived an extraordinary life. She didn’t place value on wealth or material belongings, status didn’t impress her. Kim could sense your being and provide the space you needed. Whether it was sitting quietly listening to music, talking all night long over 6 pots of coffee, driving around looking for adventure, or collecting rocks along the shore, Kim was the first to offer her ear, shoulder, heart, and home.

A celebration of life will be held on Saturday, July 26th, 2025 from 3:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m., hosted by Rich and Sharon Scheenstra, 4007 Midway Avenue, Kalamazoo. Please bring a lawn chair to sit and visit, and share a story. In lieu of flowers, cash donations will be accepted to help cover funeral expenses. Service will begin at 3:00 p.m. with refreshments to follow. Personal messages and memories of Kim may be shared at www.farleyestesdowdle.com.