Kimberly Diane Barto, 42, died unexpectedly on May 4, 2026 after a short illness. She is survived by her daughter, Isobel Meeks, her brothers, Christopher Barto, Thomas Barto, and David Barto, her sister, Eleanor Barto, and her father, Bill Barto and stepmother, Carol Pearce.
Kim was born on December 5, 1983 in Chapel Hill, NC, where she lived through high school. She attended UNC-Asheville for college where she majored in art. After college, Kim moved to Martinsville, VA to work as a reporter for the Martinsville Bulletin and later, as a reporter for the Henry County Enterprise. Kim next got the opportunity to work in Community Relations for the Martinsville public school system. Following that, she worked in Community Relations at Patrick Henry College. Kim’s next career move was to work as PR and Marketing Director for Danville Community College. She returned to Martinsville to work as a video production teacher at Martinsville High School.
Kim was active in the community, working with the United Way and its affiliated organizations. She was also an important early supporter of the Rooster Walk Music and Arts Festival.
Kim was passionate about cats, photography, reading, writing, research and being a mother.
A memorial service will be held at a later date.
