Lois Eileen Simons, 94, of Wabash, united with her Heavenly Father on Tuesday, May 30, 2023. She was born on September 24, 1928, in Niles, Michigan, to McKinley and Helen Highley.
Lois graduated from Converse High School in 1949 in Converse, Indiana. Later in her life, after becoming a wife and mother, she went back to school and earned an associate degree in food science and continued to work as a Dietician.
Lois joined the Wabash Christian Church in 1946 and on June 8, 1947, she married Charles Robert Simons with Rev. Russell Grubb officiating. Robert passed away on June 20, 2003. She was a loving and devoted mother of 3 children and was active in all the normal school activities. Her role in the church included being a Deaconess, Teacher, and Sunday School Superintendent and participated on countless committees. When the boys were small, she loved being a Cub Scout Den Mother and helping Robert with all the Scouting activities. Lois was the Food Services Director at Vernon Manor for many years. She spent countless hours as a volunteer with the American Cancer Society- Relay for Life and was a participant in the formation of the F.I.S.H. (Friends in Service Here) food pantry, in Wabash, where she continued to volunteer her time into the late 80’s.
Lois was a devoted Wife, loving Mother, sacrificial giver of here time, talents and finances. She was a tireless prayer warrior and fill-in Grandmother to anyone who needed one. She had the gift of cleaning up whatever animal her son dragged home from a hunting trip and turning it into a feast fit for a king.
Lois is survived by her son, B Douglas (Pamela) Simons of Wabash, Indiana; her only sister, Joyce Evenson of Wabash, Indiana; 4 grandchildren, Tricia (Josh) Simons-Ward, Thomas (Connie) Simons, Becky Simons, and Gary (Andrea) Agness; 6 great grandchildren, Hayley Caley, Hayden Linkenhoker, Jackson Simons, Allison Ulrey, Bailey (Caden) Keillor and Hannah Agness. 3 great-great-grandchildren, Harper, Lucas, and Layla Caley.
She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband, and all of her brothers, Harold (Judy) Highley, William Highley, Lewis (Barb) Highley, and Steven Highley. Also passing before Lois were her oldest son, Robert (Cheryl) Simons, her daughter, Debra Zoa (Gary) Sale, a grandson, Brian Douglas Simons, and a granddaughter, Mandy Leigh Sale.
At Lois’ request, there will be no viewing or funeral service. She has asked for a small graveside service for just family and close friends. That service will take place at 1:30 p.m. on Thursday, June 8, 2023, at Mississinewa Memorial Cemetery, which will also celebrate the 76th wedding anniversary of Lois and Bob.
In Lieu of flowers, Lois has asked that preferred memorials be directed to St. Jude Hospital, Tunnel to Towers, or any other organizations that the donor may choose.
McDonald Funeral Homes, Wabash Chapel, 231 Falls Avenue, Wabash, Indiana 46992, have been trusted with Lois Simons’ final arrangements.
Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.mcdonaldfunerals.com