Ruth W. Simmons - 1902-1986

SIMMONS, OPFER

Posted By: Connie Ellis (email)
Date: 2/4/2011 at 17:16:56

SOURCE: Waukon, Iowa WAUKON REPUBLICAN-STANDARD, June 10, 1986
Contributor: Connie Ellis (Not related)

Ruth W. Simmons, age 84, of St. Paul, Minnesota died Wednesday, June 4, 1986 at the Presbyterian Home in St. Paul. Services were held Friday, June 6 at 1:30 p.m. at the Zion United Church of Christ with the Rev. Henry Heinbuch officiating. Casket bearers were John Simmons, Robert Simmons, Dave Flage, Edward Opfer, William Sherman, and Walter Hagen. Burial was in Oakland Cemetery with Martin Funeral Home in charge of arrangements.

Ruth was born February 7, 1902 in Allamakee County, Iowa to John H. and Mary (Opfer) Simmons. She graduated from Waukon High School. She received her B.A. degree from the University of Chicago and her M.A. degree from Columbia University in New York. She taught school in Waukon,Iowa and McGregor, Iowa in Clayton County and South Bend, Indiana. She had served as city supervisor in art education in South Bend. She was a member of the PEO and St. Anthony Park United Church of Christ in St. Paul. She had played the cello in the South Bend Symphony and with Chapel String Ensemble of St. Paul, Minnesota. As an artist in oil and water colors, her paintings had been exhibited in many art galleries.

Preceding her in death was a brother Calvin Simmons.

Survivors include two brothers, Karl Simmons of Waukon, Iowa and John Simmons of Wayzata, Minnesota; a sister Dorothy Simmons of St. Paul, Minnesota and several nieces and nephews.