Effie L. Simmons
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Effie L. Simmons, 97, passed away on Wednesday, February 1, 2023, in Lawrence, KS.
She was born on February 18, 1925, in rural Coffey County, KS, the daughter of Oliver and Fanny (Skillman) Kelly.
Effie married Frederick Earle Simmons on December 26, 1944, in Burlington, KS; he preceded her in death on August 14, 2003. Effie graduated from KU School of Nursing; she worked in various public health and hospital nursing roles. In 1979 she obtained special training to conduct child health assessments for Douglas Co. Health Department.
Following college, Effie and Earle raised their children at Overbrook, Wilson, Burlington, and Lawrence, KS. Effie was a farm girl and loved nature. She was a life-long learner who knew about birds, butterflies, and wildflowers, and she shared her interests with her children and grandchildren. Besides raising 5 children, she was an accomplished quilter, crocheter, and seamstress; family members treasure her handiwork. Effie also created “iris folded” greeting cards. Her original card collections were selected winners in Presbyterian Manor’s Art is Ageless 2012 and 2015 juried competitions. As a young child, she learned to memorize poems. Her speech was sprinkled with memorized stanzas and her own poems about everyday life. In 2017, her granddaughter, Kelly Bohling, helped her publish a book of her favorites, “A Bushel and a Peck.” Effie was a member of the United Methodist Church.
Effie was preceded in death by her parents, brother, Glen Kelly, and 3 sisters, Helen Akers, Edith Houser, and Lydia Allen.
Survivors include her children, Nancy Martin and Dr. Robert (Nancy Blindauer) Simmons of Newton, KS; Brian (Sheryl) Simmons and Steven (Susan) Simmons of Lawrence, KS; Alan (Michelle Slaughter) Simmons of Lyons, CO; 12 grandchildren, and 11 great-grandchildren.
The family suggests memorials in Effie’s name to Lawrence VNA Hospice, which may be sent in care of Warren-McElwain Mortuary, 120 W. 13th Street, Lawrence, KS 66044. A graveside inurnment for Effie L. Simmons, Lawrence, KS, is planned for 10:30 am, April 1 at the Waverly, KS. Cemetery.
Brian and family, I only met your mother once, but she was a delightful lady. Prayers and thoughts to you.
My condolences to all as we remember the good times we had together!!
So sorry Cheryl & Brian. Had a lot of fun with her & Earle on some senior trips.
Brian, So sorry to hear about your Mother. Sending my deepest condolences.
I’m so sorry to hear about Effie. We became friends when we worked together at Lawrence Douglas County Health Dept. She was a great nurse with all of the clients and always a true friend.
I’ll miss Effie so much.
Thinking of all of you,
Diane & Mike
I worked in admin and admissions at LPM for 15 years and was happy to know Effie and her family during that time. I’m so sorry to hear of her passing. She was always so kind and fun to talk to. I loved bringing my son in to visit her! I hope all your memories of Effie make your family smile for years to come.
Nancy, so sorry for your loss. Thinking of you and praying for you and your family.
Jan Hoberecht
I am blessed to have known and spent my time with Effie as a chaplain at the Presbyterian Manor where she lived. We used to have great visits sharing her beautiful Orchids with rare flowers, showing the pictures of her grand children and her dog. She often kissed me on my head when I gave a hug to leave. She will continue to live in our hearts and memories.
” Those who believe in me, even though they die, will live, and everyone who lives and believes in me will never die.” John 11: 25-26.
Thinking of you all and holding you in my heart in prayer.