Kim D. Johnson

Kim D. Johnson, 67, of Reading, formerly of Kutztown, passed away July 10, 2024. Born in Reading, she was the daughter of the late Gordon (Bruce) and Barbara Boyer Balthaser. Kim graduated from Kutztown Area High School, and in 1978 graduated from Kutztown State College with a Bachelor’s Degree in Elementary Education. She was employed by the Fleetwood Area School District until 1983 when she approached the Tri Valley branch of the YMCA of Reading and Berks Co for a part time summer day camp job. She loved working with kids and the mission of the YMCA, so a part time job developed into a career of thirty-nine years. Thirteen years as Program Director, then Executive Director of Tri Valley during which she initiated and expanded youth sports, enrichment, and child care programs. In 1996 she became the VP of the YMCA of Reading and Berks Co; from 2011 until her retirement in 2022, she held the daunting position of President and CEO. She was a member of the Assoc. Of  YMCA Professionals, a member of The Executive Committee of the PA State Alliance of YMCAs, and a board member of the World Affairs Council of Greater Reading, in addition to her participation in various other organizations in the Berks County area. The programs that were initiated during her leadership have impacted children and adults from all walks of life in the city of Reading and throughout Berks County and will remain her legacy. Kim was very close to her family. She loved caring for the many cats she rescued over the years. She is survived by uncles, aunts, and cousins. Services will be private. A Celebration of Life will be planned for a later date. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the YMCA Reading and Berks County, 631 Washington Street, Reading, PA 19601 or One by One, Inc. cat rescue, PO Box 272, Temple, PA 19560. Hildenbrand Funeral Home, Inc in charge of arrangements.