Anita Simmons

Anita Louise Simmons

1931 ~ 2021

Anita L Simmons, age 89, a resident of the Magna area for over 70 years,  passed away on Sunday, January 24, 2021 in Tooele at the Mountain West Medical Center. Mom resided at Rocky Mountain, Willow Springs in Tooele, UT. for the last 3 ½ years.

Mom was the second of three children of Melvin E. and Thelma L (Burdick) Singleton.  Bert (Dode) Singleton being the oldest child and her younger sister Claudette (Bill) Singleton Ross.  The loss of her oldest brother Bert was one of the hardest life changing events mom endured.   Later in life, losing her Mother, Father and little sister Claudie.  Mom has longed to join and reunite with her family members.  I’m sure there’s a lot of hugs and celebration going on in heaven.

Mom was born in Wattis, Utah on March 11, 1931 growing up in Sunnyside, and East Carbon.  Mom shared many memories of living in New Town and Garfield, then moving to the Big House in Magna.  The next move was her home on Rulon St. where her favorite time was caring for her red roses in the yard.  Mom met dad, Eldon M Jones, were married in the Salt Lake Temple.  DeAnn K (Don) Rowberry was the first born shortly after that Sheldon M Jones arrived.  Steve L (Debbie) Jones came a few years later.  Mom and Dad dissolved their marriage.  Mom met and married Ben Simmons.  He brought more love into moms life with 3 children.  Suzy (Neal) Peterson, John (Georgia) Simmons and Scott (Jill) Simmons.

Mom was a  very loving, caring, selfless  person.  She was always giving of herself as a volunteer Pink Lady for many years at Pioneer Valley Hospital.  She had calling as Relief Society President for the church.  Mom was honored and proud to be the voice for the resident grievances for the meetings at Willow Springs.  She remained a faithful member of the Church Of Latter Day Saints.

Mom worked at Central Lumber for several years.  When we were little she took in laundry and ironed clothes for extra money.  She retired from Cyprus High as a lunch lady.  In high school she was a member of the Drum and Bugle Corp along with her brother and sister.  Mom loved to make Christmas Candy with her family  to share with everyone for the holidays.  Another passion to have Thanksgiving and Christmas celebrations at her home.  Mom loved to read.  Her favorite was her scriptures and Danielle Steel.  She enjoyed Bingo and the ice cream social at the Care Center.    She never missed out on the Big Belly performances.

Mom was preceded in death by her parents, her brother, her sister,  her husband, Ben Simmons and her granddaughter Kelli.

She leaves behind her children DeAnn K. (Don) Rowberry, Kearns, Ut.   Sheldon M Jones, Beaver Dam, AZ, Steve (Debbie) Jones, West Valley City, Ut., Suzy (Neal) Peterson, West Valley City, Ut., John (Georgia) Simmons, Salt Lake City, Ut.  Scott (Jill) Simmons, West Jordan, Ut.  She was blessed with 15 grandchildren and 27 great grandchildren.  Her nieces and nephews were always considered one of her own.

The family wants to thank the staff of Willow Springs.  She had so many special friends among the residents, nursing staff and aides.  Many family members went above and beyond in helping and caring for mom throughout the years.  A special thanks to all of you.

There will be a graveside service on Monday, February 1st at Valley View Memorial, 4355 West 4100 South, West Valley City, Ut.  at 1:00 pm.