Shirley M. Simmonds

Shirley Mae Simmonds (née Schaller), born on January 26, 1942, in Millstadt, Illinois, to Walter J. Schaller and Alma (Sutter) Schaller, passed away peacefully on Saturday, July 5th, surrounded by her loving family.

She married the love of her life, Norman H. Simmonds, on May 23, 1961, at St. James Catholic Church in Millstadt. They shared a beautiful life together until Norman’s passing on March 17, 2022.

Shirley was a devoted mother to three sons: Michael (Jamie), Douglas (Kelly), and David Simmonds. She was a proud grandmother to Amanda Wolff (née Simmonds)(Ryan), Lauren, Emily (Avery), Nicholas, and Hannah Simmonds, and a cherished great-grandmother to Nolan Ryan and Nora Wolff, and Daxton Ponder.

She attended St. James Catholic School in Millstadt, where she was a standout softball pitcher, and graduated from Belleville West High School in 1960. A dedicated civil servant, Shirley worked for many years at the Department of Veterans Affairs and the Department of Public Aid.

Shirley had a zest for life and adventure. She loved to travel with her husband and family, creating treasured memories in the western mountains and along southern beaches. She was always a supporter of all of her children’s and grandchildren’s activities, sports and causes.

A talented cook and baker, Shirley expressed her love through the meals she prepared. She also had a lifelong passion for sports, faithfully cheering for her son Michael’s football teams, the St. Louis Blues, and—most of all—the St. Louis Cardinals.

She served as a Cub Scout Den Mother and enjoyed spending time with her many friends and extended family. An avid reader, she kept up with three newspapers daily from across the country, and loved crossword puzzles, mystery shows, and true crime dramas. Her iPad was a constant companion in later years.

Shirley found joy in gardening, flowers, and watching the birds and wildlife outside her window. Despite enduring significant physical challenges in her later years, she remained resilient and never complained. Her strength, work ethic, and love for singing were inspiring to all who knew her.

She is survived by her sister-in-law, Betty MacAdoo, as well as many loving cousins, nieces, and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents; her brothers, Walter A. Schaller Jr. and Melvin J. Schaller; brothers-in-law Ronnie Simmonds and Harold MacAdoo; and sister-in-law Betty (Schilling) Simmonds.

A private Celebration of Life will be held at a later date. Cremation rites are being handled by Hoffen Funeral Home in Millstadt, Illinois.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in her name to the Millstadt Senior Center or a charity of the donor’s choice.