PIERRE, SD – Kim Davis-Ambach, 57, of Pierre died at her home unexpectedly on Thursday, February 20. Visitation will be held from 4:30-7:30pm with a prayer service starting at 7:30 at Ss. Peter & Paul Catholic Church on Wednesday, February 26, 2025. Celebration of life will be held on Thursday, February 27, 2025 at 11:00am at Larkspur Landing, 1908 N. Garfield Ave in Pierre. Please feel free to wear casual, comfortable clothing.

Kimberley Ann Davis-Ambach, lovingly known as Kim, passed away leaving behind a legacy of love, dedication, and joy. Born on December 28, 1967, in Aberdeen, SD, to Jacob “Jake” and Marie “Diane” (Schmidt) Hammrich, Kim was raised in Ipswich, SD, where she attended school from kindergarten through 12th grade, graduating from Ipswich High School in 1986.

Kim pursued her passion for education at Black Hills State University, earning a Bachelor of Science in Education in 1990. During her college years, she met her first husband, Rob Davis, and they married on July 29, 1989. Kim began her teaching career in Dupree, SD, and continued to inspire students as she moved to Arlington, Martin, and finally Pierre, SD, in 1998. Kim taught at the Pierre Indian Learning Center, Buchanan Elementary, McKinley Elementary, Jefferson Elementary, and Georgia Morse Middle School. Her dedication to teaching touched countless lives across various schools and grade levels.

Kim was blessed with two daughters, Robin (Corey) Hertel and Taylor Davis. She cherished her role as a mother and later as a grandmother to her three grandsons: Hayzen Davis, Moxinn Hertel, and Luxxen Hertel.

On June 12, 2020, Kim married her beloved husband, Craig Ambach, at their home in Pierre, SD. She also welcomed her stepson, Clay Ambach, and his partner, Brooke Easland, into her heart and family. Some of Kim’s most cherished memories were spending time with Craig camping at their park model in the Black Hills.

Kim had a vibrant personality and a love for life. She was a devoted fan of Star Wars, especially the character Chewbacca, and enjoyed spending her free time putting together puzzles or cheering for her favorite football team, the Seattle Seahawks. Her passion for teaching extended beyond the classroom as she tutored at the Boys and Girls Club and worked part-time at the YMCA. Kim worked at the Fort Pierre Chamber of Commerce for many years, filling various roles at the horse races. She also enjoyed working as a scorekeeper at sporting events, often taking a dance break during timeouts, much to the delight of those around her.

Kim’s ability to connect with and comfort her students was unparalleled, making her a beloved teacher and mentor. Her warmth, kindness, and enthusiasm for life will be deeply missed by all who knew her.

Along with her mother, husband, daughters, stepson, and grandsons, Kim is survived by brothers Brian (Christina) Hammrich and Bruce (Anna) Hammrich, mother- and father-in-law, Naomi and Al Ambach and numerous aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces and nephews. Kim was preceded in death by her adored father, Jake Hammrich; grandparents Kermit and Peg Schmidt, and Jacob and Mary Hammrich; cousin, Peggy Heinz; and numerous family members.

Rest in peace, “BUDDAYYY”. Your light will continue to shine in the hearts of those you touched.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to American Bank and Trust to Kim’s memorial fund.

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