Virginia Simmons

Virginia D. "Ginger" Simmons February 14, 1924 ~ November 28, 2014 Virginia D. "Ginger" Simmons passed away on November 28, 2014, at Confluence Hospital in Wenatchee, WA, with the loving care of family and the comfort-care team at the hospital. Ginger was born on February 14, 1924, in Panora, IA to Clyde and Fairy Shepherd. Her family later moved to Colorado Springs, CO, where she met and married John C. "Johnny" Simmons on June 20, 1941. They shared a wonderful life together until Johnny's death on September 24, 1995. Ginger and Johnny had two daughters while in Colorado Springs, Sharon and Linda. In 1945, the family moved to Longview, WA, where their third child, John David, was soon born. Over the years, Ginger was actively involved in her children's school and extracurricular activities. In 1963, as her children got older, she began working at Austin's Office Supply store in Longview, WA. She worked there until 1967, when she was hired by the Longview Daily News. She rapidly advanced to office manager, and continued working for the Daily News until 1982, when she took an early retirement. Her retirement enabled she and Johnny to do some traveling throughout parts of the U.S. and Europe. Sewing, which she did with great skill, was her passion, and she used her sewing talents to supplement their income in their early married years. Christmas was always such a special time in the Simmons home. Ginger and Johnny spent the year making special heart-felt gifts for their children and grandchildren. Some gifts were a joint effort, including the dollhouses they built and furnished for their three granddaughters. She made numerous dolls, teddy bears, dogs, ducks and various other keepsakes that are cherished by the family and friends to this day. She was an active member of the First Church of Christ Scientists, and believed strongly in the church beliefs and teachings. Ginger was later involved in the Longview Community Concert Association until she moved out of the community. In 2009, she moved to Wenatchee, WA to be near her son and his family. She resided at Colonial Vista Retirement Home until her death. Ginger was friendly and generous to those who needed help. She will be missed and fondly remembered by her family and friends. Ginger was preceded in death by her parents, Clyde and Fairy Shepherd of Longview, WA; by her eldest brother, James C. Shepherd of Northampton, MA; and by her younger sister, Nancy D. Shepherd of Longview, WA. She is survived by her younger brother, Don G. Shepherd of Casa Grande, AZ. Ginger's three children include Sharon L. VonBock of East Setaucket, NY (deceased); Linda L. (Simmons) Robinovitch and husband, Murray of Bay View, WA; and John D. Simmons and wife, Donalee (Benton) Simmons of Wenatchee, WA. She was a loving grandmother of five and a great-grandmother of 12, including Mark Lakefish and wife, Heather, children, Lucy and Jasper of Seattle, WA; Aaron Simmons and wife, Monica, children, Abigail, Sydney and Benton of Wenatchee, WA; granddaughters, Holly (Sylwester) White and husband, Shane, children, Cameron, Jordan and Peyton of Redmond, WA; Heidi (Sylwester) French and husband, Jon, children, William and Benjamin of Arlington, VT, and Heather (Simmons) Morgan and husband, Warren, children, Chase and Connor of Quincy, WA. Burial will be at a later date in Longview Memorial Cemetery among many beloved family members and close friends.

Virginia Simmons

February 14, 1924 - November 28, 2014