Mrs. Kimball Retires From Grace After More Than 40 Years Of Service

One of the longest tenured teachers in the Grace School District called it a career this year.  Susan Kimball began working for the Grace School District in 1983 and decided to retire at the conclusion of the 2024-25 school year.

“My husband and I moved back here after finishing our schooling in Utah Valley.  I started working for the district in ‘83 just part time doing janitorial work, subbing and working in the preschool because I wanted to stay home with my kids as long as I could.”  With the exception of a one year stint in ‘85 where Susan temporarily filled in as a full time teacher she remained a part time employee while her kids were still young.  Once her kids were older and leaving elementary school Susan took a full time teaching position in the district in 2001 where she remained until the conclusion of this year.

Susan’s path to teaching seems to be straight forward but originally she wanted to go into business and had interest in accounting and secretarial work  After earning an associates degree from Ricks College Susan found a new interest in business education and her English endorsement came later.

When asked what her favorite part of being a teacher was, her answer was simple, “I love being around the kids.”

With such a lengthy and prestigious career Susan has lots of memories from her many years.  Some of her favorite memories came from her work as the yearbook and National Honor Society advisor.  “I made more of a relationship with the kids in those positions. We spent so much time together going over pages and pages of things. All those long nights going over yearbook pages and getting to know them in a different way.” 

Sydney Mathews Painter, a 2016 graduate of Grace High School stated,”Mrs. Kimball is one of the best people I’ve ever met. I learned so much from her from my time in high school. We spent a lot of late nights together eating Doritos while we edited the yearbook! I don’t think a lot of students get the opportunity to know her like I did. She is one of my very favorite people, and I love her so much!”  The ability to make each student feel special and the love she has for each of them is one of many redeeming qualities that Mrs. Kimball possesses. 

Susan is the type of person that doesn’t seek out the limelight so naturally I put her on the spot by asking her what kind of legacy she feels she left on the Grace School District?  “I hope I’ve shown kindness to each kid.  I’ve always tried to treat each child the same.  Try to expect their best. I always tell them never settle for anything less than your best.” 

Another former student Jenna Waddoups said, “Mrs. Kimball was the most patient teacher I have ever met. Not once did she ever lose her cool or become frustrated with us. I have always admired that about her. I will never forget reading Fahrenheit 451 for her class and the amazing insights she had on the story. That book impacted my life and my love of reading. Thank you Mrs. Kimball!”

Included in her former students are three of her own four children and five of her grandchildren.  Speaking on teaching her own family, Susan said, “It’s good and bad. It’s hard sometimes. It is good but you get a little softer when you’re a grandma.”

In addition to the students Susan also enjoyed building friendships with the other teachers.  “I love the camaraderie we have here in the Junior High and I love my colleagues.”  One of those colleagues, Lenae Manhart commented, “Susan was always the first one to work and stayed after many days helping students. She cares about others and has a positive attitude.”

In true Mrs. Kimball fashion Susan wants to spend much of her retirement serving others.  That service will include caring for her ninety-four year old mother and hopefully one day serving an LDS mission.

When asked why she chose now to retire Susan replied, “It’s been good but it’s good to stop when it’s good. I want to go out on a high.”

The students, faculty, and staff at Grace will miss the kind and gentle English teacher whose love far exceeds her stature but with several grandchildren still involved in the district she will continue to be a fixture at the various activities for years to come.