Kimberly was born on August 10, 1966, in Taylor, Michigan, to Siegfried and Carol (Posavac) Godt.

In 1969 the family moved north to Traverse City and in 1976, they settled on a farm in Williamsburg, where Kimberly grew up. She was truly a country girl at heart and deeply loved her horses and all animals. Any stray cat that showed up was sure to find a home with Kimberly. In her younger years, she was never afraid of hard work and could often be found running tractors or backing up a hay wagon on the family farm.

She graduated from Traverse City Central High School in 1984 and went on to attend Northwood University for a time. Kimberly later moved to California to sow her wild oats before returning home to Traverse City.

In November of 1997, she married David Craig Barger in Traverse City, and together they were blessed with two daughters, Rachel and Alexis.

Kimberly loved being outdoors and was always on the move. She enjoyed horseback riding, boating, camping, spending time at the beach, kayaking, gardening, and cooking. She had a very adventurous spirit and a wonderful sense of humor. Kimberly was known as one of the best huggers. She wore her heart on her sleeve and was always willing to love and care for those around her.

Kimberly had a strong relationship with the Lord and enjoyed listening to Joyce Meyer.

She is survived by her two daughters, Rachel (Logan) Hayden and Alexis (Fiancee Stephen Summers); grandson Jack Hayden, her mother, Carol; and her siblings, Larry (Lisa) Godt, and Wendy Digiovanni, along with many other loving family members and friends.

She was greeted in heaven by her father, Siegfried.

Kimberly's adventurous spirit and loving heart will be deeply missed, and those who knew her take comfort in knowing she is now at peace in the presence of the Lord.

A memorial service in her honor will be held on Saturday, March 14, 2026, at 11:00 a.m. at Reynolds-Jonkhoff Funeral Home, with visitation beginning at 10:00 a.m.

Memorial contributions may be directed to her family or to the Cherryland Humane Society.