Kimberly Bear

Kimberly Bear, age 61, passed away on Thursday, June 30, 2022. 

Kim was born on July 12, 1960, to Arlene Estelle Ruiz and Wayne Timothy Dickinson. Kim was a loving mother, grandmother, daughter, sister, aunt, spouse and friend extraordinaire with an infectious laugh. 

She never met a stranger. Her engaging, contagious and energetic spirit brought out the best in everyone who crossed her path. From an early age, she had a fierce passion and connection with animals. She was happiest outdoors surrounded by all living things in nature. Life was magical when she was near. She was genuinely kind-hearted and captured your attention with her stunning beauty and piercing blue eyes. It's been said that she enjoyed the simple things in life like sunsets, clouds and driftwood shaped like animals, and it is so true. She was even charmed by the way the raindrops fell onto the ground. Kim was a caring, unselfish and joyful woman who was constantly singing, dancing and talking with her hands. She was creative and artistic. She enjoyed sketching and making jewelry. She brought bright light into a dark night. She was boho before it was a thing. Kim had the best sense of humor, was very quick-witted and loved everyone so deeply. She would often say 'I love you like a rock'. That meant so much, because she really did even have a love for rocks. 

Kim is preceded in death by her devoted life partner, Terry Wayne Ladner; her parents, Wayne Dickinson and Arlene Ruiz; her siblings, Shawn Dickinson, Tony Ruiz, Belinda Zitko and Aloma Ruiz; and many other beloved family members and pets. 

Survivors include her dad, Homero "Peppy" Ruiz; her step-mom, Jane Ruiz; her children, Jheri (Wesley) Brechtel and Justin Bear; her step-children, John Dick and family, Raquel Nickels and family and Kelly Dick and family; her grandchildren, Nolan Brechtel, Wyatt and Willow Bear (and their mother Olivia Guay); her siblings, Taino Ruiz, Ricky (Sharon) Ruiz, Desiree (Justin) Hurst, March Dickinson, December Dickinson and Trudy Dickinson; sisters-in-law, Pamela Ruiz, Karen Dickinson, Myra Ruiz, and Kayla Ruiz; brother-in-law, Mike Zitko; and her aunts, uncles, nieces and nephews, cousins and extended family members and friends. All who will miss her tremendously. 

A Memorial Service will be held at Bradford-O'Keefe Funeral Home on Howard Avenue in Biloxi on Thursday, July 7, 2022 at 6:00 pm. Friends may visit from 5:00 pm until 7:00 pm. 

Bradford-O’Keefe Funeral Home is honored to serve the Bear family.