Obituary of Betty J. Simmons

Betty Jane Simmons, 95 formerly of Cedar Rapids and Iowa City died Thursday, August 6, 2015, at a care center in Mt. Sterling, IL. Graveside funeral services will be held 11:00 a.m., Saturday, August 15, 2015 at Oakland Cemetery in Iowa City. In lieu of flowers memorial donations can be made in her memory to St. Jude Children's Hospitals @ 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105 or to the charity of your choice. Betty Jane Simmons was born March 27, 1920, in Flint, Michigan the daughter of Lillian F. (Hauser) and Miles E. Simmons. At the age of 12 her family moved to Iowa City, where she grew up and attended schools. For many years she worked as an administrative assistant for Logan & Logan in Cedar Rapids, and later for Kitchens by Friedel, retiring in 1997. Prior to moving to Illinois in 2009 she had resided at Higley Mansion for over 8 years. Betty was a member of the First Lutheran Church in Cedar Rapids, she enjoyed scrapbooking, cheering on the Chicago Cubs and reading. Her family includes a nephew, Van Havel (Louise); 2 great nieces, Michelle Havel Parker (Pat) and Raquel Havel Boswell (James); 2 great-great nieces, 3 great-great nephews and a number of cousins in the Cedar Rapids area. She was preceded in death by her parents, 2 sisters, Ione Simmons Havel and Lillian Simmons Kjellin; and a great-niece Denise Havel. Gay & Ciha Funeral and Cremation Service is caring for Betty's family and her services.