Dolores Marcelle Simmons

Dolores Marcelle Wilson Simmons

 Marce’ Simmons passed away November 4, 2023, at her home in Mesa, Arizona, surrounded by her family. She was born on April 25, 1935, the daughter of Guy and Isabel (Couch) Wilson of rural Haviland. She was delivered by Dr. Shear at the home of Theodore and Fern Kessinger, three miles south of Haviland. Fern was a nurse, a close friend and neighbor. Marce’ was born during a time of severe dust storms in the area. To welcome her home to their little 3 room farmhouse were her 3 sisters, Vada, Geraldine, and Joan.

She attended grade school in Haviland where she graduated Eighth grade in 1949. She entered Haviland High School, were she graduated in 1953, a very popular student and cheer leader. When her parents moved to Wichita in 1951, she attended High School in Wichita but the next year she rented a room at the Fankhouser home in Haviland so she could graduate from HHS with her classmates in 1953.

 In September, 1953, she married Bill Simmons at the University Friends Church in Wichita. She and Bill lived in Wichita when their daughter Jan was born. Next came twins, Jill and Jeff, then Steve.  The family moved to Independence, KS, for a year then made the big move to Colorado.  Twins, Jay and Jamie were born in Colorado.  Jamie’s twin brother, Jay, died at birth.

While the children were still young, Bill and Marce’ separated and she became a single mom.  Many times, she worked at two jobs to make a living for her family. She became a very accomplished business woman. She loved helping people. Later, as the owner of the “Lone Tree Trading Post” in Greensburg, she helped numerous people and loved going to auctions and garage sales to buy items for her store.  When her sister, Joan, was desperate for help at her Garden Center, Marce ‘stepped up to help. She spent countless hours taking care of her father, Guy, when he became ill with Hodgkins Disease and had Chemo treatments. She was always there for Guy and Isabel when needed.

Marce’ and her family lived in Golden, Cedaredge, Englewood, and Denver, Colorado. Then she moved to Greensburg, Kansas, and later to Camp Verde, Arizona, and recently to the Mesa, Arizona area.   Marce’ would travel to many states on “Sister Trips” and they had wonderful and fun times together. 

She leaves to mourn her passing her Two sisters, Vada Quick of Hutchinson, and Joan Hayse of Greensburg.   Her children, Jan and Dale Adams, Jill Lord, Jeff Simmons, Steve Simmons and Jamie and Bill Adolph. She also leaves Seven Grandchildren, Karey, Todd, Adam, Desirea, Sean, Courtney, and Kirk, and Eight Great Grandchildren and One Great- Great Grandchild.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Guy and Isabel Wilson, a sister, Geraldine Yock, and a son, Jay Simmons.

Graveside Service and Burial will be at the Haviland Cemetery on November 18th, 2023, at 1:30pm.

Arrangements by Fleener Funeral Home, Greensburg, KS.

 Memorials can be sent in lieu of flowers to Kiowa County Senior Center and Haviland Methodist Church.