Betty Ann Simons

Betty Ann (Morgenstern) Simons, 86, of St. Joseph passed away Saturday, January 11, 2014 at Hanson Hospice House in Stevensville. A Celebration of Life Service will be held 11:00 A.M., Thursday, January 16, 2014 at First Congregational United Church of Christ, 2001 Niles Ave, St. Joseph with Rev. Dr. Robert Braman officiating. Burial to follow at Riverview Cemetery in St. Joseph. Friends may visit from 3:30 until 5:30 Wednesday, January 15 at Starks & Menchinger Chapel, 2650 Niles Rd. St. Joseph. Memorial contributions may be made to Hospice at Home, Hanson Hospice House or the First Congregational Church Music Program. Those wishing to sign Betty’s guestbook may do so online at www.starks-menchinger.com. Betty was born September 22, 1927, in Toledo, Ohio, to Charles and Helen (Mercer) Morgenstern. They moved to Binghamton, New York, where her father, Morgie, worked for the Nineteen Hundred Washer Company. They moved to St. Joseph after a merger with the Upton Machine Company. She married Ralph Simons Jr. in 1948 and they raised three children before moving to San Jose, California, in 1977. They returned to St Joe 20 years later. In retirement, they enjoyed traveling, golfing and playing bridge. They were members of the Congregational Church in San Jose and St. Joseph where Betty played in the hand bell choir. Betty was an ever-positive spirit with the exceptional talent for living in the moment. Her home was rarely without a bouquet of fresh flowers. She was blessed with wonderful friends. She was an organizer and volunteer, lending her support to Lakeland Hospital, the Heritage Center, Monday Musical, Krasl, and Southwest Michigan Symphony Orchestra. Betty was preceded in death by her husband, her parents, and a great grand daughter. She is survived by her children, Chuck (Francesca) Simons, David (Mary Jean) Simons and Wendy Simons. Grandchildren include Jennifer (Brian) Fosco, Drew (Laurie) Simons, Joshua (Katrina) Simons, Neil (Katherine) Simons, Kyle Simons and Ashley Simons, and eight great grandchildren.