On October 23, 2023, Carolyn Joan Kimball, a beloved member of the Emerald Bay community in Laguna Beach, CA for 59 years, peacefully passed away at the age of 87. She shared this incredible journey with her loving husband, Dr. Stanley C. Kimball Jr., an Orthodontist. Together, they nurtured a family of seven sons, all college graduates, all happily married with children, and all distinguished Eagle Scouts. Each of her sons embarked on two-year foreign missions for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, and as of this writing, all continue to call Laguna Beach home.

Joan, as she was affectionately known, was born in Los Angeles and raised in San Marino, CA, by her parents John and Eva Thatcher. She held a Bachelor of Science degree from BYU and dedicated three years to teaching Kindergarten while her husband pursued his education. Although her college days had come to an end, she wholeheartedly embraced the role of raising her seven sons: Stan, Steve, Peter, John, Tony, Scott, and James. In addition to nurturing her own family, she played a pivotal role in the upbringing of her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Her expertise in child-rearing earned her a reputation that led to numerous requests for her to lecture on the subject. One of her cherished concepts was, "Accentuate the positive and downplay the negative; a child is more important than a broken vase."

Vacations and travel were paramount in Joan's life, and she instilled a love for exploration in her family. Together, they were privileged to visit many corners of the world. Joan's unwavering faith in her church led her and her husband to serve two full-time missions - three years as Mission Leaders in Tallahassee, Florida, and two years as Directors of the LDS Oakland Temple Visitor Center. Remarkably, just one week after returning from their service in Florida, Joan gave birth to her seventh son.

In addition to her wisdom in child-rearing, Joan was known for offering marital advice with a hint of humor, saying, "If you have any complaints about your spouse, don't tell me, tell their mother." Her life was marked by service, not only to her family but to countless others within and outside her church community. Those closest to her, her husband, children, and friends, remember her as a warm, sweet, fun-loving, smart, and kind-hearted individual.
Joan is survived by her husband of 67 years, Stanley C. Kimball, Jr., of Laguna Beach, and her siblings Bill (Sally) Thatcher of Corona del Mar and Joyce (David) McPherson of Provo, UT. She is also survived by her favorite sons Stan (Cheri), Steve (Terri), Peter (Nette), John (Kristin), Tony (Michelle), Scott (Sara), and James (Cyndi). Joan leaves behind a legacy through her 27 grandchildren and 24.5 great-grandchildren. She is preceded in death by her parents, John and Eva Thatcher of Laguna Beach, and her infant daughter Karol Ann.

Joan's legacy lives on in the hearts of those she touched, and she will be deeply missed.

A funeral service will be held at the Laguna Niguel Stake Center of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, 22851 Aliso Creek Rd, Aliso Viejo, CA at 2 pm on Monday, October 30.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Skipper Carillo Scholarship Fund c/o Laguna Beach High School Scholarship Foundation , PO Box 1569, Laguna Beach, CA 92652, in memory of Carolyn Joan Kimball. Your contributions will honor her memory and support a cause that was dear to her heart.

The family extends their heartfelt gratitude for the love and support they have received during this difficult time.