Kim Louise Best, 63, of Hackettstown, NJ, passed away at the Warren Haven Nursing Facility, Oxford, NJ after a lengthy illness. Born on August 4, 1956, Kim was the daughter of Robert Best Sr. and the late Ruth Walters Best. Kim was co-owner of Best’s Fruit Farm in Hackettstown, NJ for many years. Kim and her family have run the farm and store for several generations. Kim was a 1974 Graduate of Hackettstown High School and a 1978 graduate of Lafayette College with a degree in Music, History and Theory. When not working, Kim’s life was music. She helped form the Pocono Choral Society that traveled throughout the United States and Europe. She also was a member of the Fred Waring Recording Studio. Kim was a member of the Emmanuel Bible Chapel of Schooley’s Mountain, NJ. Kim is survived by her beloved father, Robert Best, Sr. and brother, Robert, both of Hackettstown. Nieces, Heather & Rachael and Nephew Justin. She also had six great Nephews & Nieces. Private funeral services and burial will take place at the convenience of the family. The Cochran Funeral Home, 905 High Street, Hackettstown, NJ is in charge of the funeral arrangements. Online condolences may be offered to the family at www.cochranfuneral.com.
CONDOLENCES:
Kathy Feller Howell
#69
May 1st, 2020 5:38 pm
Dear Mr. Best and Bob, I am so sorry to hear of Kim’s passing. I have many happy memories of working with Kim and the Best family at Best’s Fruit Farm. Kim was always so kind and such a positive person to be around. Love and hugs to all and may God hold you in his care.
Michelle Damiecki
#68
April 15th, 2020 9:10 am
I am so sorry to learn of your loss. Sending warm thoughts and prayers to the Best family.
LuAnn Wojcik
#67
April 14th, 2020 11:12 am
So very sorry for your loss. Kim was a wonderful, caring and very special person. Mr. Best and Bobby, you and yours are in my thoughts and prayers.
Traci Washer
#66
April 6th, 2020 11:31 am
So sorry, this is a loss for our entire town, and a gain for Heaven. Our heartfelt sympathy to the Best Family. The Washer Family
Betsy Browder
#65
April 3rd, 2020 10:32 am
Dear, dear Bob and Family, So sorry to hear about Kim’s passing. She was such a bright spirit with a lovely voice. She can be at peace now and keep Ruthie company and sing every day. All my love to you, a big, big hug and stay strong. Betsy
Dave Kennedy
#64
April 2nd, 2020 9:02 am
Bob and Bob, How sad I am to hear of Kim’s passing. A a classmate at Lafayette and friend ever since, I will cherish music-filled memories of her forever. The time I spent with her and you during my infrequent travels thru Hackettstown delightful. She was a special person with a wonderfully loving family.
Betty Hazen
#63
April 2nd, 2020 8:44 am
Dear Bob and family, My sincere sympathy to you and family. Kim was a special person and she is surely missed.
Gene and Kathy Klimas
#62
April 1st, 2020 9:14 pm
Bob and Bob Jr. We knew Kim in high school and she always came across as a very friendly and kind person. But when I worked on the fruit farm for a couple of years after high school I got to know her and your family quite well. Kim was a very caring and loving person that also had a great sense of humor. When I would go back to visit my brother in NJ after leaving I would always go to see you guys at the store and Kim knew I loved your Stayman Winesap apples and she would hand pick the very best for me. She will be missed. Love Gene and Kathy Klimas
Mary Ann and Bob Moore
#61
April 1st, 2020 12:19 pm
Dear Mr. Best and Family, We are saddened to hear of Kim’s passing. I have many fond memories of Kim and her tending to the peach baskets and offering her apple choice for pies. I still use Jonahgold for my baking. You are all in our prayers.
Arlene Metrione
#60
March 31st, 2020 3:26 pm
It was an honor to hear Kim’s beautiful voice in a Unity Concert and to know of her talents. A gentle woman who was a hard worker and very much a part of the family business. I am sorry for the loss to the family but to all who enjoyed her beautiful talent. Durand and I learned early in our move to this area of New Jersey that BEST peaches were, indeed, the Best! And so was Kim! The Best! May she be received into the Heavenly choir with open arms.
Rita and Bill Moraski
#59
March 31st, 2020 1:46 pm
Dear Bob and family. we hope you know that in these crazy times we live in that there are so many that mourn with you over the passing of Kim. I am sure we all wish we could have paid our respects along with you all. I remember Kim dipping the strawberries for Valentines day and the beautiful fruit baskets she made for the holidays for my friends and family. We always had good conversations no matter what and she is missed terribly. Prayers go out to you and yours. I know she is singing away and smiling.
SKEETER AND ERIN
#58
March 30th, 2020 7:49 am
BOB AND BOB JR., OUR THOUGHTS AND PRAYERS ARE WITH YOU, AND WE WISH KIM WELL ON THE NEXT LEG OF HER JOURNEY.
Beth Miles
#57
March 29th, 2020 12:41 pm
Dear Best family, I am so very sorry to hear of Kim’s passing. Kim was always a kind person and I have great memories or her when I worked at Best Fruit Farm and when she visited Don and I in Germany and we travelled to Austria together. May God provide you with comfort and peace during this difficult time.. God Bless you and your family, hugs and love to you all. Beth (Feller) Miles
Elinor Chamberlain
#56
March 29th, 2020 8:27 am
Bob, count us among the crowd who miss Kim, and those who mourn as they learn of her passing. Much sympathy to all of you.
Janice and Bill Hemberger
#55
March 28th, 2020 1:08 pm
Bob, Bobby and family. We are truly sorry for your loss in the passing of Kim. Many sweet memories come to mind throughout the years of knowing her. For what we don’t understand, thankful we have a God that does. May you find comfort in knowing she is rejoicing with Our Lord. Our prayers are with you, Bill & Janice Hemberger
David Bryk & Family
#54
March 27th, 2020 6:15 pm
Dear Best family, I want to extend to you my sincere sympathy on the loss of your daughter and sister Kim. May you be comforted by Our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ own words in John 11:25 I am the resurrection and the life he who believes in Me will live even if he dies. We all shall be joined together in communion with the Angels and Saints and I am sure that Kim will be singing our Lords’ praises as we will meet her again. I will keep you all in prayer at this most difficult time. David Bryk and Family
Dave & Lisa Mullikin
#53
March 27th, 2020 5:32 pm
Bob Sr and Bob Jr So sorry for your loss my the lord comfort you as you go through this difficult time,
Peggy O’Connor Courter
#52
March 27th, 2020 10:17 am
I am saddened by the news of Kim’s passing. She fought a good fight for a long time. I’m sorry we cannot be there to console her family at this time. You are all in my thoughts and prayers. God bless.
Joseph DiMaio
#51
March 27th, 2020 8:51 am
My heart felt condolences to the Best family.
Liz Iacampo
#50
March 27th, 2020 8:05 am
Very sad news indeed. I remember her beautiful voice from HS! My mother frequented Best’s for the 40 years our family lived in Hackettstown and she often shared the conversations she enjoyed with Kim. Her cheerful presence will be sorely missed by so many.Sympathies to her family. Godspeed Kim, you are singing with the angels now.
Rosita Cornejo
#49
March 27th, 2020 5:31 am
My deepest sympathies go out to the Best family and Kim’s loved ones. I have such fond memories of Kim in high school and was happy to see her at our last class reunion. Condolences to all.
Michele
#48
March 26th, 2020 7:59 pm
My dear friend and brother… Bobby… and to your dear father… I am so sorry for your loss! I remember Kim coming to our house when she was moms student. She was one of mom’s favorites! I love you both dearly, and I pray that God helps you through this. Love you!
John & Rosaline Wallace
#47
March 26th, 2020 5:16 pm
To the Best family, Rosaline and I are sorrowed to hear that Kim has joined her mother. May the Lord God of all comfort care for you all during this time.
Maryann Andrioli
#46
March 26th, 2020 3:57 pm
Dear Brother Bob So sorry to hear of your sorrow. Although our heart seems broken when those we love have gone home before us , nothing can compare to the rejoicing waiting for Kim as she entered the gate with our Lord . I will never forget her beautiful voice and her smiling face . Our prayers go out to you and your family . Love You! The Andrioli Family
Peggy Thomas
#45
March 26th, 2020 3:42 pm
Kim touched the hearts of so many in our community and she will be missed by many. Anytime I saw her, she always had a smile on her face. My sincere condolences to all of the Best family.
jessica Muccilli
#44
March 26th, 2020 2:49 pm
I had the pleasure of singing with Kim in the SCOS. What a beautiful voice she had. Loved hearing her sing. Beautiful person as well. May she rest in peace. In deepest sympathy.
Barbara Yankiv
#43
March 26th, 2020 2:25 pm
Dear Bob Sr and Bob Jr, my sincere sympathy on your loss. Kim was born on Danny’s and my wedding day. Every anniversary, I would go and wish Kim a Happy Birthday! My prayers are with you at this sad time.
Chick and Linda Dimiceli
#42
March 26th, 2020 1:47 pm
Bob and Bobbie We are sorry to hear of the passing of Kim.A long time friend of the family .She will be missed.Our thoughts and prayers are with you guys God bless.
Amanda Jones
#41
March 26th, 2020 1:46 pm
Dear Best Family, I’m so sorry to hear of Kim’s passing. She is a part of many good memories growing up and working in the store! Sending my condolences to all of you during this time!
Ed and Karen Burkhart
#40
March 26th, 2020 1:31 pm
Anyone who ever heard Kim sing would never forget her; we were privileged to sing with her in the Sussex Oratorio as well as the Unity Choir. A voice surpassed only by the humility with which it was raised. A truly lovely lady who will be missed by all who knew her.
Pat and Ron Zuckerman
#39
March 26th, 2020 12:05 pm
Bob and Family, It was a privilege to know Kim. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family
Bob and Betty Jones
#38
March 26th, 2020 12:01 pm
Mr. Best, Bob and family. We have been neighbors for 35 plus years now and have many fond memories of Kim (and Ruth). Both Amanda and Jessica send their condolences. It is always hard to lose a loved one, harder now when your many friends cannot gather with you. Please know that we will always remember Kim and the pride she took in her family and the family business. We know she will be fondly remembered by the many people whose lives she touched.
Colleen Doyle Brogan
#37
March 26th, 2020 11:17 am
Kim, I spent so many wonderful years with you. Growing up, school,friends and of course singing! I know you are singing with the angels! Fly high my friend! Just keep on singing!! Rest now in Paradise! All my love, Colleen
Glenn and Cheryl Enck
#36
March 26th, 2020 10:49 am
We were so sorry to hear about Kim. We have many good memories of times spent with your family. Please know that our thoughts and prayers are with the Best family.
Jeff and Patti Harris
#35
March 26th, 2020 10:26 am
Sending our heartfelt condolences. Praying God’s comfort for you.
Adam Jacobs
#34
March 26th, 2020 10:22 am
Dear Bob, We are so saddened to hear of the passing of Kim. Psalm 34:18 says “The Lord is near to the brokenhearted and saves the crushed in spirit.” We pray that He would be near to you in this time of great pain and sorrow and that He would provide you great comfort, knowing that Kim is with the Lord Jesus, where neither pain nor sorrow can reach. Her faith has now been made sight and she can dwell in the beautiful presence of our God forever. You are in our prayers. Love, Adam and Aly Jacobs
Jeanne Shay
#33
March 26th, 2020 10:16 am
Bob and family so sorry to hear of Kims passing. Your in my thoughts and prayers. God Bless
Joy and Les Snyder, Sr.
#32
March 26th, 2020 10:06 am
Dear Longtime friend, Bob, Bobbie and family…We are saddened to hear of the passing of Kim but know she is now free of pain and singing with the rest of the Angels in Heaven. Our Sincere Condolences to the entire family. Joy and Lester Snyder
Susan Lindsay
#31
March 26th, 2020 9:53 am
My thoughts are with the Best Family during this difficult time. I remember Kim and her great smile when you would enter Best Fruit Farm store. Hugs
Ray & Angie Lemasters
#30
March 26th, 2020 8:10 am
Dear Bob and family, We are deeply saddened to learn of your loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
LEW/GAIL RICHARDS AND fFAMILY
#29
March 26th, 2020 8:02 am
TO BOB AND FAMILY SORRY TO READ OF THE PASSING OF KIM–SHE IS NOW SINGING IN GOD’S CHOIR ALWAYS ENOYED OUR CHATS WE HAVE PRAYED THAT THE HEALING HAND OF OUR LORD AND SAVIOR HAS BEEN PLACED UPON THE FAMILY
Deb and John Esposito
#28
March 26th, 2020 7:42 am
Mr. Best, Bobbie and family, John and I are so very sorry for your loss. Kim was a very special person – caring, helpful and a beautiful voice. I’ll always remember her singing at our wedding. Her light will continue to shine and we will remember Kimmie. With sympathies , Deb and John Esposito.
Marilyn Wheeler Hodge and Doug Hodge
#27
March 26th, 2020 7:37 am
Dear Bob Sr. and Bob, So saddened to learn of Kim’s passing. Kim was always a breath of fresh air and sunshine! Kim has joined the heavenly choir for sure. May you have comfort knowing that others care and you and your family are in the thoughts and prayers of others. Marilyn and Doug Hodge
Elaine Reed
#26
March 26th, 2020 2:44 am
I have fond memories and the whole Best family. I’m saddened by Kim’s passing. Love and condolences on your loss.
Barbara and Henry Repp
#25
March 25th, 2020 10:29 pm
Henry and I were so sorry to learn that Kim is now singing in the Heavenly Choir. We loved talking with her when we came to the stand for peaches and apples. The picture of the Messiah concert on the Unity Choir Facebook page is the one with Kim as the alto soloist. Sadly, she never got to sing with us again because she got sick just a few months later. Please know that our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Diana Salus
#24
March 25th, 2020 10:14 pm
Dear Best family, so sorry to hear of Kim’s passing. I know she is in heaven singing with the angels and may she Rest In Peace. God Bless
Debbie Sayer
#23
March 25th, 2020 9:49 pm
Mr. B and Bobby. Heaven has a new angel today. My heart hurts hearing of Kim’s passing. I am so sorry to hear this news today. Hugs and kisses took both of you.
Robert Matarazzo
#22
March 25th, 2020 9:41 pm
Bob and Bobby, I am so very sorry for your loss. Kim was an amazing woman and has left you both with many wonderful memories. May God grant you with the power to move through your life and may you both find peace through the next phase of your life. God Bless you and your family.
Glen & Donna Dimiceli Miller
#21
March 25th, 2020 9:15 pm
To the Best family, Soo very sorry for your loss. Kimmy was such a beautiful person inside and out. She was a good friend to our family as long as I can remember. Always smiling that was Kimmy. May she rest in peace. The Dimiceli and Miller Family
Lynn Gallagher
#20
March 25th, 2020 8:06 pm
Very sorry to hear this sad news. My condolences to the Best family.
Love, Gerri (LULU)
#19
March 25th, 2020 7:23 pm
Mr. Best and Bobby, So sorry to hear of Kim’s passing, I always enjoyed working at the farm and with all of you and Kim. I would come up from Maryland for the services Q but at this time travel is not advised. God bless you bth and healing to you both. If tihere is anything I can do let me know. Love, Gerri (LULU)
Cassandra Rose & Jeryl Turner
#18
March 25th, 2020 6:10 pm
To the entire Best family, we are so sorry for your loss and will keep you in our thoughts. Kim was an amazing, kind person with a beautiful voice. She will be missed.
Karin Schardt
#17
March 25th, 2020 5:11 pm
Dear Best Family, My deepest condolences for the passing of Kim. She was a wonderful person.
#16
March 25th, 2020 4:40 pm
Mr. Best and Bobby, So sorry to hear of Kim’s passing, I always enjoyed working at the farm and with all of you and Kim. I would come up from Maryland for the services but at this time travel is advised. God bless you both and healing to you both. If there is anything I can do let me know. Love, Gerri (LULU)
Joyce Ort Berninger
#15
March 25th, 2020 3:42 pm
My deepest sympathy to the Best Family. Kim was such a wonderful person. She will be missed by so many people. Hopefully, she is singing in God’s Choir. Joyce, Joe (J J), and Sophie
VICTORIA A HING
#14
March 25th, 2020 3:31 pm
Dear Bob & family, please accept our sympathy on the passing of Kim. She always had a great smile and a pleasant word for everyone. She will surely be missed. Bob & Vicky Hing
Tom & Jacqui Talbot
#13
March 25th, 2020 3:13 pm
Sorry for your loss. Praying that God will provide his perfect peace that surpasses all understanding. We will always remember Kim singing at EBC on Good Friday and Easter “Were You There”. “Precious in the sight of the Lord is the death of his saints.” Ps 116:15
An Normand
#12
March 25th, 2020 3:10 pm
Dear Bob, I am so sorry to hear of Kim’s passing. I will always cherish her musical offerings (especially “were you there”), her great work ethic and our chats when I passed by the farm to pick up fresh fruit. We will miss her, but there is comfort in knowing that she has joined the heavenly choir now and that she will never stop singing again. “When she’ll have been there ten thousand years, bright shining as the sun, she’ll have no less days to sing God’s praise than when she first begun.” Love you, Bob! An
Dalton Blyden
#11
March 25th, 2020 2:56 pm
Mr. Best and Bobby, I am so sorry to hear of Kim’s passing. You are both in my thoughts and prayers. May God bless and keep you safe.
LOUISE GREENE
#10
March 25th, 2020 2:53 pm
Dear Mr. B and family, we are so saddened to hear of Kim’s passing! My children have such fond memories of your farm market! Mostly I remember talking with Kim while she sorted peaches! Each box was perfect! God less you! Rest in peace Miss Kim!
Chris and Ann Van Pelt
#9
March 25th, 2020 2:52 pm
Sorry to hear about Kim’s passing. Your family was a part of my life growing up and I will always remember her! Stay well!!
Barb schmidt
#8
March 25th, 2020 2:33 pm
My prayers to the best family
Jerry and Rita Berkowitz
#7
March 25th, 2020 2:31 pm
Bob and family, we are heartbroken to hear of your loss and will pray for Kim and your entire family.
Mike & Lela Callaremi
#6
March 25th, 2020 2:15 pm
Our heartfelt sympathies to you all, but what a blessed assurance that we will all see her beautiful smile again when we enter heaven. We will all remember Kim and Ruth with joy and laughter, as they themselves always had a smile on there faces. My fondest memory of Kim was while being n w in the area and 9 months pregnant she carried my marigolds to my car. Kim chuckling the whole way saying “Are you sure you will get these planted in time?” God Bless you Kim you made it Safely Home
Vincent & Theresa Fiedler
#5
March 25th, 2020 1:43 pm
Dear Best Family: Terry and I are sorry to hear of Kim’s passing. She was a kind person and a good friend. Our family will cherish our memories of her. May God bless you at this sad time.
Joe and Janet Lake
#4
March 25th, 2020 1:24 pm
Bob, We are so sorry to hear of Kim’s passing. She was a wonderful person. Your loss is Heaven’s gain, but that isn’t of much comfort right now. May The Lord Himself comfort you.
Jennie` Landsberger
#3
March 25th, 2020 12:58 pm
Dear Bob, I am so very sorry. Kim was so kind and gave everyone happy memories. Love, Jennie
PegPeg and Doug Sheldon Russack
#2
March 25th, 2020 12:38 pm
Dear Mr. Best and Bob, we are so sorry to hear this news. Our thoughts and prayers are with you both.
Paul & Robin Wallace
#1
March 25th, 2020 11:46 am
Dear Best Family Robin and I were so sorry to hear of Kim’s passing, and though we know in Jesus Christ our LORD she is again singing HIS praise and never tiring in HIS presence we also know the Sting of our temporary separation is indeed real. We ask our FATHER in Heaven to Comfort You as HE alone can, and ask HE Bless You and keep You as You rightly mourn Kim’s home going. In Christ alone my friends Paul & Robin Wallace
Condolence(1)-
Tim McConnell says
July 14, 2020 at 10:27 pmDear Bob and Bobby,
I was deeply saddened to read of Kim’s passing. Throughout my time in New Jersey, Kim (and all of you) were guiding lights for me. You are in my prayers. God bless you.. May Kim’s memory live on through you.