Kim M. Hershberger

Kim Marie Hershberger, 54, of Goshen, was found dead at her Goshen home June 11, 2014. In her life, she transcended suffering to find a rare and wonderful joy. Kim was born July 25, 1959, with her identical twin, Gay, to Theodore and Marilyn Grindle. Kim and Gay were two of five Grindle girls of Syracuse, along with Debra and another set of identical twins, Jan and Jill. When Gay died in a car crash in 1981, Kim despaired. She knew her twin had found peace, but the loss would haunt her for years to come. In 1981, Kim married W. Mark Hershberger. They had two children, Andrew in 1982 and Sara in 1984. Andrew and Sara grew up in a loving, supportive home, but Kim battled inner demons. She fought substance abuse and her marriage ended after 13 years. In 1995, she had a beloved daughter, Sasha Byrd. In 2005, Kim developed cervical dystonia and sciatica. She was treated with expert care, but she faced a life of ever-increasing pain and immobility. In her suffering, she found perspective. She quit drinking and committed herself to appreciating life and the people she loved. She found joy in her favorite things: a skein of yarn to crochet with, a public radio program, a sunny day. She made friends across the world on the Internet. She was overjoyed to attend the weddings of two of her children: Andrew to Leah Plank in July 2012 and Sara to Ryan Warnke in May 2014. In January 2014, Sasha gave her a grandson, Josiah. Kim died unexpectedly, but she lived every day joyfully as though it would be her last. Cremation has taken place at Yoder-Culp Funeral Home in Goshen. Contributions may be made to the Kim Hershberger Memorial Fund by contacting or visiting any Interra Credit Union branch. Proceeds will go to help cover expenses and the remainder will be donated in her name to her favorite local nonprofits: CAPS and WVPE 88.1 FM. A celebration of life will be held at 6 p.m. Saturday, June 28, 2014, at First United Methodist Church in Goshen.