Virginia M. Simmons

Creal Springs Virginia M. Simmons, 70, died Tuesday, December 07, 2004 at 4:05 A.M. at her home, following a brief, but courageous battle with cancer. Virginia was born August 13, 1934 in Pittsburg, the daughter of Delos and Velva (Pulley) Ray. She was united in marriage to Bobby R. Simmons on December 19, 1953 in Marion. Together they shared 51 years of marriage. Virginia was a retired clerk from Rittofs True Value Hardware in Channahon, Illinois. Of her many duties within that position, she most enjoyed managing the Carhart department and organizing the Christmas display. She was a member of the Second Baptist Church of Marion after her recent move to Creal Springs. She was formerly a 33-year member of the First Baptist Church of Channahon, serving as church hostess and singing in the choir, as well as many other positions of service. Her musical duets with her husband, Bobby, were a source of joy for her and inspiration to all. Her hobbies included planning family meals and get-togethers, counted cross-stitch, reading, cooking, gardening and sewing. For fun, she loved to play the slot machines and was usually very lucky. As a loving Wife, Mom, Grandma, Great-Grandma, Aunt and Friend, she provided a home where all who entered experienced her unconditional love and care. Survivors include: Husband Bobby Simmons of Creal Springs Three Daughters; Carla Bateson and husband Robert of Creal Springs Rhonda & Joy Stroud of Charleston, SC Stephanie Korilko of Coal City, IL Eight Grandchildren: Cheryl & Ray Attwood of Elwood, IL Jennifer & Tom Martens of Cambridge, MN Kevin Boggs & Melissa Munch of Joliet, IL Jason & Brenna Stroud of Charleston, SC Evan Tilson-Stroud of Charleston, SC Ashley Fitzgerald of Charleston, SC Elizabeth Korilko of Coal City, IL Kristi Korilko of Coal City, IL Five Great Grandchildren: Jake Attwood of Elwood, IL Jenna Attwood of Elwood, IL Kaitlyn Martens of Cambridge, MN Trevor Martens of Cambridge, MN Isabelle Martens of Cambridge, MN Three Brothers: Jerry & Cindy Ray of Marion Robert & Mary Ray of Joliet, IL Jeff Ray of Creal Springs Several Nieces and Nephews Preceded by: Parents, Infant Daughter Cheryl JoAnn Simmons. Funeral services will be Friday, December 10, 2004 at 10:00 A.M. at Mitchell-Hughes Funeral Home in Marion with Joy Stroud and Bill Sasso officiating. Burial will follow at Odd Fellows Cemetery. Visitation will be Thursday from 6:00 8:00 P.M. at the funeral home. For those who prefer memorials may be made to Hospice of Southern Illinois. Envelopes will be available at the funeral home.