Lois Elise Elaine Simmons

Lois Elise Elaine Simmons, 87, died on April 6, 2018, in the Prairie Grove Health and Rehabilitation Center surrounded in love by family and dear friends.

She fought a long battle with vascular dementia for many years, spending time at the Tonitown Senior Daycare, daughter’s home and later the Prairie Grove Health and Rehabilitation Center. Her wish for the family was to love her dearly but let her go.

From her birth in Meadow Grove, Neb., on Sept. 13, 1930, to her death she had a life and love for teaching. She also was a caring and faithful wife, mother, and grandmother. She was a fun-loving and witty individual whose quick spark would make you laugh. She valued her time with family and built lifelong relationships with friends and students. Her special interests and hobbies included teaching special education, bowling, PEO Chapter, Springdale Kiwanis, Fred Hartman school presentations and gardening.

A native of Newman Grove, Neb., she grew up attending Newman Grove High School. After graduating high school, she started a career in accounting and worked at the local Chevy dealership. Next, she explored a career in cosmetology as a hair dresser and instructor. She later obtained an undergraduate degree in Education at Kearney State College and began teaching ages K-12 at a one room local country school.

It was in Oakdale, Neb., where she met Mr. Simmons. One of her favorite memories with Mr. Simmons was dancing at the Lawrence Welk Dance Hall. They enjoyed many loving years of working together remodeling homes and traveling to explore new places.

She was preceded in death by her parents, August William Herman and Elsie Clara Martha Zessin Pittack; husbands, Lyle Leroy Simmons and Norm Clizer; son, Keith Lee Simmons; stepson, Larry Simmons; and stepson-in-law, Fred Grothe.

Left to honor her and remember her love is her daughter, Peggy (Donald) Hatfield; stepdaughter, Arycle Grothe; two grandchildren, Rob (Amanda) Hatfield and Wendy (Rusty) Hazzard; and three great-grandchildren, Jake Hazzard, Noah Hatfield and William Hazzard; four stepgrandchildren; nine stepgreat-grandchildren; and nine stepgreat-great-grandchildren.

Funeral was at 2 p.m. Tuesday, April 10, 2018, at Prairie Grove First United Methodist Church, 1401 E Parks St., Prairie Grove, AR 72753.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to Springdale Circle of Life Hospice or Alzheimer’s Foundation.

Luginbuel Funeral Home of Prairie Grove, Ark., was in charge of arrangements.

Simmons