Patsy Ruth Simmons
Patsy Ruth Simmons, 98 years of age, departed this life on Friday, Dec. 19, 2025 at Southgate Nursing and Rehab Center in Metropolis, Illinois.
She was born on July 22, 1927, the daughter of the late Robert and Thelma Lee Halteman of Bardwell, Kentucky.
She was a graduate of Bardwell High School and, like many young women of her generation, joined the workforce in support of the war effort at that time.
Patsy was a loving mother of her late son, Stanley Newell, and a loving wife of her late husband, Thomas (Tommy) Simmons, and a proud grandmother and great-grandmother.
A life-long resident of Cairo, Illinois, Patsy was the oldest member of Mighty Rivers Worship Center where she was a faithful member.
Patsy was a skilled seamstress by vocation and in her retirement years, she enjoyed hand-quilting as a pastime hobby, second only to patronizing her favorite baseball team, the St. Louis Cardinals.
She looked forward each week to Bible Study Class, as well as daily lunches with friends at the Happy Days Senior Center and her volunteer work at the Mission Store.
She will be remembered by her family and friends for her fierce independence, her pleasant personality, her quick wit, and for always putting her “best self forward” with her sense of style and grace.
Patsy is survived by a grandson, Michael Newell and wife, Sabrina of O’Fallon, Missouri; four great-grandchildren, Jamie, Calleigh, Riley, and Jack; a daughter-in-law, Gretchen Newell; and numerous nieces and nephews.
In addition to her parents, her son, and her husband, she is preceded in death by three sisters, Rosemary Burnett, Dorothy Reasons, and Helen Riddle; along with two brothers, Joe Halteman and Keith Halteman.
Her family would like to extend their gratitude to her caregivers and the staff at Southgate Nursing and Rehab Center for their compassion and care.
Funeral services were held on Monday, Dec. 22 with Rev. Larry Potts officiating with services concluding at Crain Funeral Home in Cairo.
Interment was held at Rose Lawn Cemetery in Bardwell, Kentucky.
Crain Funeral Home in Cairo is in charge of arrangements.