Obituary of Shirley L. Simkins

Shirley Loryane SimkinsFebruary 11, 1932 - April 8, 2010Shirley Simkins graduated to heaven after a brief battle with pancreatic cancer. We are thankful that now she is in the arms of Jesus free from all pain.Her home going was very peaceful being surrounded by family the whole day having times of prayer and singing songs about heaven. It was a precious family time.Shirley Lorayne Bohn was born on February 11, 1932, in Longmont, Colorado. She was the first child born to Sherman and Freda Bohn, who precede her in death. Two brothers, Rodney Bohn and Dick Bohn and one sister Julie Wechsler survive Shirley. She is a beloved cousin and aunt to many.Shirley graduated from Lyons High School in May 1950. Shirley met Everett Simkins through her best friend, Dorleen Simkins. After she invited Everett to her high school picnic they began to date. A year later, to the date of that first picnic, they married. The wedding took place June 4, 1950 at the Methodist Church in Lyons, Colorado.To this marriage five children were born: Wanda (Phil Ward); Evelyn (Bill Ankrom); Elmer Simkins (Jamie Johnson); Rhonda (Paul Kennard); Melody (Paul Ballard). Eighteen grandchildren: Rebecca Ward (Brian Jones); Kimberly Ward (Jim Hathaway); Roy Ward; Jonathan Diss (Christy Pitman); Justin Diss (Brittany Jeffords); Joshua Diss; Ethan Simkins; Kylie Simkins; Andrew Kennard (Carrie Ann Begley); Adam Kennard; Ashley Kennard; Aaron Kennard; Alyssa Kennard; Casey Ballard; Charity Ballard; Crystal Ballard; Caleb Ballard; Casandra Ballard. Ten great-grandchildren: Daniel Jones; Aubrianna Jones; Glorianna Jones; Gracianna Jones; Kaylinn Hathaway; James Hathaway; Charise Hathaway; Jordynn Hathaway; Evie Diss; Clayton Kennard.Shirley accepted the Lord as her personal Saviour in her early twenties. Everett and Shirley became active and faithful in the Baptist Church where they taught their children about their Saviour. Because of their godly example and teaching, all of their children have accepted Christ as their Saviour, as well.Early each day she would spend much time with her dearest friend, Jesus. One of her greatest treasures was her Bible. It was not just a book or a coffee table decoration; it was the Book of her life. Shirley loved serving the Lord and others by holding back yard Bible Clubs; church nursery superintendent, assisted in the Girls Auxiliary, Christian Schools, and King's Kids taught Sunday school and was involved in many other areas of service. However, her favorite ministry was writing cards and letters to her family, missionaries around the world, friends, church family, and anyone she knew was in need of encouragement.Shirley was a dedicated wife; she was Everett's sweetheart, best friend, constant companion, and his helpmeet. Everett's enduring name for here was, "de-licious, de-lightful, de-lovely". She was a godly mother and friend to her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. She was a great example of a Proverb 31 woman. We all rise up and call her blessed.Arrangements by:The Springs Funeral Services3115 E. Platte AvenueColorado Springs, CO 80909 719-328-1793 Funeral Home:The Springs Funeral Sevices3115 East Platte AvenueColorado Springs,, COUS 80909 Events Cemetery Wednesday, April 14, 2010 11:15AM Fort Logan National Cemetery 3698 South Sheridan Boulevard Denver, CO 80235 Phone: 303-761-0117 Visitation Monday, April 12, 2010 2:00PM - 6:00PM The Springs Funeral Services 3115 East Platte Avenue Colorado Springs, CO 80909 Phone: 719-207-8855 Service Tuesday, April 13, 2010 11:00AM Ellicott Baptist Church 24075 CO-94 Calhan, CO 80808