Gladys E. Simmons, 95, of Bluffton, Ohio and formerly of Bally, Pennsylvania, passed away on November 14, 2021 at the Mennonite Memorial Home, Bluffton. Gladys was born October 25, 1926 in Kitchener, Ontario to the late Howard and Estella (Snyder) Weber. On July 1, 1950 she married Richard Simmons who preceded her in death on August 9, 2004.
For the majority of her working life she was a secretary at Bally Case and Cooler in Bally, Pennsylvania, and was skilled in the art of shorthand. Gladys was a member of Butter Valley Community Church in Bally, Pennsylvania, formerly called Hereford Mennonite Church, for many years.
For the past twelve years she lived in Bluffton, Ohio near her daughter Karen and attended St. John Mennonite Church in Pandora, Ohio. Gladys' love for the Lord was very evident to all in everything she did. She was an active member of Hereford Mennonite singing in the church choir, teaching Sunday school and leading youth groups, impacting many young people during her lifetime. She wrote many plays and stories for special occasions at her church. Up until the end of her life, she wrote poems and gifted them to others. Her love for music was evident as she sang solos at special events such as weddings. Along with her husband Richard she volunteered at Meals on Wheels and Samaritan's Purse. She was an avid Eagles and Phillies fan and many family members and friends have fond memories of afternoons or evenings watching sporting events in her family room. Gladys was very hospitable and opened her home to missionaries and other guests who needed a place to say. Gladys loved the Lord, loved life, loved her family and was very funny always having stories to tell on any occasion.
Survivors include a son, Gary (Mary Ellen) Simmons of Akron, Pennsylvania; three daughters, Pat (Rick) Shaner of Ketchikan, Alaska, Kathy (Kory) Umburger of Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, Karen (Randy) Keeler of Bluffton, Ohio; ten grandchildren and eleven great-grandchildren.
Gladys was preceded in death by three sisters, Rita Erb, Betty Litwiller and Evelyn Horst.
A Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, December 11, 2021 at a time to be determined at Butter Valley Community Church in Bally, Pennsylvania. Burial of the cremated remains will be in the church cemetery.
Memorial contributions may be made to Maple Crest Senior Living, 700 Maple Crest Court, Bluffton, Ohio 45817 or St. John Mennonite Church Missions Fund, 15988 Road 4, Pandora, Ohio 45877.
Condolences may be expressed to the family at www.chiles-lamanfh.com.
