Jeanne M. Simmons

Jeanne M. Simmons, 83, passed away peacefully at home on Monday, July 26, 2010, after a brief illness. Jeanne was born on July 4, 1927, in Davenport, Iowa, attended college in Nebraska, and lived in California and Washington where she started a family with her husband, Lloyd. She has resided in Dayton, Ohio, since 1963 and was employed by Kettering Medical Center as a patient representative for 30 years (one of the hospital's early employees). Since her retirement, she was passionate about her volunteer work, specifically at the Good Neighbor House, at the Kettering SDA Church where she was a member and deaconess, and with the Blue Star Mothers as an associate member. She loved books and reading and was generous in her book donations to the KCMA Library. She actively encouraged and supported her children and others to pursue the best education possible. Several of her children and grandchildren attended and graduated from Kettering College of Medical Arts. Jeanne loved her Lord and loved serving others, especially children, with thoughtful, random acts of kindness. She was involved in the prayer ministry of the church and at Kettering Hospital, and many of her devoted friends and church family have stories of how Jeanne touched their lives and encouraged them during a tough time. Jeanne enjoyed regular game nights and birthday celebrations with her many friends, and she especially enjoyed a great game of Scrabble with anyone willing to challenge her. She is survived by her brother, Ken Marquis (Davenport, Iowa), and her four children, Eric (Theresa) Simmons, Ken (JoAnne) Simmons, Gordon (Teresa) Simmons, and Karen (John) Weaver. Jeanne was highly devoted to and proud of her grandchildren: Lauren (Jason) Maddox, SSGT Camron Simmons, Chelsea and Nikki Simmons, and Rick (Ashley), Josh, Eric, and Danny Weaver. In lieu of flowers, please direct donations to The Good Neighbor House (844 South Patterson Blvd., Dayton, Ohio 45402) or Kettering College of Medical Arts Library (through KMC Foundation, 3535 Southern Blvd., Kettering, Ohio). A memorial service celebrating Jeanne's life will be held on Friday, August 13, 2010, at 7 p.m. at the Kettering Seventh-Day Adventist Church.

"Only one life, 'twill soon be past. Only what's done for Christ will last."