Kimberly L. Bates (Castello) was born on July 26th, 1967 and raised in St. Louis, MO. Kimberly has worked various jobs throughout her young life. She graduated from Southwest Highschool, and pursued nursing at Forest Park Community College. Later on through the years, she took a liking to working at a law firm and became a paralegal. Afterwards, she finally resided in working with the U.S. Postal Service as a mail carrier. First and foremost, Kimberly was a dedicated mother. She treasured her two children. However, nothing could compare to her becoming a grandma in August 2021 with her first granddaughter. Kimberly fit in perfectly with this role. Second, if you had the pleasure of knowing Kimberly, you knew how dedicated she was to, "finding a way to make things happen even when all of the odds seemed against her." Kimberly had a vivacious personality, a bright smile, and made friends just about every where that she went. No matter what life decided to throw her way, you know Kim always had a smile on her face with perseverance like you have never seen before. Kimberly was 54 years old whenever she passed away on November 10th, 2021. She still had so much more life to live and many more memories to create; especially with her newest granddaughter. A funeral service will be conducted at Jay B. Smith Funeral Homes (7456 Manchester Rd. St. Louis, MO 63143) on Saturday, November 27th, 2021 from 1 p.m. - 4 p.m. Please send any flowers to the funeral home. All friends and family are welcome to Kimberly's "Celebration of Life" party. It will be held at The Pasta House Co. in Arnold (921 Arnold Commons Dr. Arnold, MO 63010) following the funeral at 6 p.m. Kimberly is the loving and devoted mother of Christopher Castello (Anna Otto), and Samantha Bates (Adam Hampson). Adored grandmother of Violet Hampson. Loving daughter of the late Darlene and William Castello. Dear sister of Keith (Sherri) Castello, Kelly (Denise) Castello, and Kathleen (Rick Russell-Castello). Rejoined in Heaven with siblings Karen Finnigan (Tim Finnigan-Castello), Kenneth (Teresa) Castello, and Kevin (Tammy) Castello. Also survived by the Bates family and Castello family with many in-laws, nieces, and nephews.