L. Irene Simms

DESLOGE - Mrs. L. Irene (Weiss) Simms of Desloge, passed away Thursday, October 23, 2014, at the Country Meadows Nursing Home in Park Hills at the age of 91 years. She was born Aug. 10, 1923 at West Elvins, daughter of the late William Fred "Blue" and Mahala Frances "Haley" (Byers) Weiss. In addition to her parents she was preceded in death by her husband Eugene B. "Gene" Simms, brother Gilbert F. Weiss, infant sister Wilma Mae Weiss, and her stepson Bernard (Barney) Simms. Irene grew up in the West Elvins area and attended school there. She was married to Eugene B. Simms on Aug. 23, 1952. She was a faithful member of the First United Methodist Church of Park Hills, where she was active in the Busy Bee Sunday School Class, the United Methodist Women, and the Quilting Circle. She was also an active member of the Desloge Senior Apartment Board for 22 years, where she served as Secretary. She was actively involved in the Elvins Alumni Committee and the Weiss Family Reunion Organizing Committee. In addition, Irene was an active member of the St. Francois County VFW Post 2426 Ladies' Auxiliary. She was loved and admired by all who knew her for her sparkling personality, her talent for cooking, the beautiful quilts she made, and her lively sense of humor. She was generous to a fault to those in need, and devoted to her family and her church. She will be missed by all those who knew and loved her including her son Roger (& Linda) Miller, her daughter Elizabeth Miller, and her sons Eric Simms and William (Bill) Simms, two brothers Melvin Weiss and Wayne Weiss and a sister Evelyn Rudy. She is also survived by 8 grandchildren and 12 great-grandchildren, several nieces, nephews, great-nieces and great-nephews as well as numerous other relatives, dear friends, and good nieghbors. Per Irene's request there will be no formal public services. The family will hold a private gathering to remember her as she requested. She will be laid to rest next to her beloved Gene in the Weiss Family Cemetery at Doe Run. In lieu of flowers the family has requested memorials be made to the Weiss Family Cemetery Fund, c/o Mr. Patrick Weiss at Cozean Memorial Chapel & Crematory, 217 W Columbia St, Farmington, MO 63640. Share your memories and leave condolences online at cozeanfuneralhome.com Private Funeral Service