Kimberly Ann Criswell, age 44, passed away on October 7, 2025, at Wexner Medical Center in Columbus, Ohio. She was born on August 27, 1981, at War Memorial Hospital in Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan, to the late Carol Payment of Georgia.

Kim spent her early childhood in Georgia with her mom, dad, paternal grandparents, and half-siblings before moving with her mother to Sault Ste. Marie, where she was raised alongside her sister and extended family. She was a proud member of the Sault Tribe of Chippewa Indians and a graduate of Sault Area High School.

In 2003, Kim welcomed her beautiful daughter, Savannah Marie Smith, who became the center of her world and her greatest joy. In 2009, Kim met her soulmate, Steve Minch, and together they began a new chapter in Ohio. The two were married on May 12, 2017, and shared a wonderful marriage filled with love, laughter, and adventure. Kim especially loved spending time outdoors, taking rides in their convertible to Independence Dam State Park, and enjoying cherished "girls' days" with Savannah. She adored her two cats, Toby and Butterscotch, with all of her heart. She will be missed greatly by them.

Kim faced her battle with sarcoidosis with remarkable courage and compassion. She had a strong passion for raising awareness and supporting others affected by the disease. Those who knew Kim will remember her as a beautiful soul—gentle, kind, and always willing to help a friend in need. Her warmth and generosity touched the lives of everyone around her.

She was preceded in death by her mother, Carol Benner; her paternal grandparents, Lula and James Sr. Criswell; her father-in-law, Steven Minch Sr.; her maternal grandparents, Urban and Melva Payment; her half-brother, Allen Mullins; and her brother-in-law, Casey Kleman.

Kim is survived by her loving husband, Steve Robert Minch Jr.; her daughter, Savannah (Austin Taylor) Smith of Defiance, Ohio. She is also survived by her sister, Kelly Kleman, nephew and godson Kyle Kleman, and niece Charlotte Kleman, all of Hatley, Wisconsin; her half-sisters, Tessa (Aaron) O'Hara of Kentucky and Taniel Criswell of Georgia; her half-brother, Robert Criswell of Georgia; along with many aunts, uncles, cousins, and dear friends who loved her immensely. She is also survived by her mother-in-law, Margaret Minch, and sister-in-law, Nicole Minch, both of Continental, Ohio, as well as her beloved cats, Toby and Butterscotch.

Cremation services will be held on Saturday, November 1, 2025, at Schaffer Funeral Home in Defiance, Ohio. A private family service will take place from 1:00–2:00 p.m., followed by a visitation for close friends and others from 2:00–4:00 p.m.

Kim's gentle spirit and loving heart will be deeply missed but never forgotten. Her legacy of kindness and compassion will live on in all who knew and loved her.

Memorials are suggested to Sarcoidosis Awareness Group, or Friends of Felines. Online condolences can be given at www.Schafferfh.com

The Foundation for Sarcoidosis Research
320 W Ohio St., Suite 300, Chicago IL 60654
Tel: 1-312-341-0500
Email: info@stopsarcoidosis.org
Web: https://www.stopsarcoidosis.org/

Friends Of Felines Rescue Center
14597 Power Dam Rd, Defiance OH 43512
Tel: 1-419-393-2400
Web: http://www.fofrescue.org/