Nedra B. Simmler

– Nedra B. Simmler, 69, died November 3, 2020 after a courageous battle and complications with cancer. Her husband, sister-in-law and brotherin-law were at her side. Nedra was born January 17, 1951 in Wabash Indiana to R. Ned and Mary Jane Brooks of North Manchester, Indiana.

Nedra attended Jackson High School, South Bend, Indiana, earned a bachelor of science in special education from Indiana University and a masters from Memphis University. Nedra retired from teaching but not life in 2017.

She was an especially gifted special education teacher providing an inclusive education and teaching life changing adaptive and coping skills to enable her students to reach their full potential. She advocated independent living for marginalized young adults, helping them adapt life skills for independent lives. She blessed and touched the lives of her friends, students and their families with many keeping in touch as lifelong friends. Nedra taught for over 40 years in the Tipton County Tennessee school system, Broken Arrow Oklahoma school system and most recently Deer Valley Barry Goldwater High School. Nedra was a rarely blended and accomplished person balancing her often long working hours and teaching with an extended social network of family and friends.

Nedra was preceded in death by her parents Ned R. and Mary Jane Brooks She is survived by her brothers David Brooks (Glendale, AZ) and John Brooks (Golden, CO), sister-in-law Donna (Wayzata, MN and N Reddington Beach, FL), brother-in-law Dr. Donald Simmler (Gulf Port, FL), and numerous nieces and nephews. She is also survived by her high school sweetheart and loving husband of 48 years David Simmler (Glendale, AZ). We all loved her and will miss her.

A private burial service will take place at a later date. Donations may be directed to the American Cancer Society.