Obituary of Betty Simmons

Betty L. Simmons Olean, NY Betty L. Simmons of 110 N. 17th St. passed away Monday (June 30, 2014) at The Pines Health and Rehabilitation Center in Olean after a long illness, surrounded by her loving family. Born March 31, 1931 in Port Allegany, PA she was the daughter of Harry and Jessie Clark Greer. In 1952 in Cheyenne, WY she married Ralph Simmons who predeceased her in 1976. Betty was a graduate of Olean High School and was a lifelong resident of Olean where she proudly raised her family and enjoyed spending time with her children and grandchildren. She also worked for the St. Bonaventure Friary Infirmary for many years prior to her retirement. Betty was always happy when she could be dancing and she enjoyed many years visiting the Moose Lodge with her longtime companion and dance partner Jack Lent. She also treasured the memory of her four legged companion Sheba, her Himalayan cat who recently passed away. Surviving are four sons Craig S. (Martha) Simmons of Bradford, PA, Randy (Terri) Simmons of Corpus Christi, TX, Brian (Jessica) Simmons of Homestead, FL and Michael (Linda) Simmons of Corpus Christi, TX; one daughter Michele (Ken) Karl of Tigard, OR; 10 grandchildren Karen, Kimberly, Ashley, Christopher, Hailey, Meredith, Jacob, John, Shane and Randi; 19 great grandchildren; 3 great great grandchildren; several nieces and nephews and her longtime companion Jack Lent of Smethport, PA. In addition to her husband she was predeceased by two sons Gary Simmons in 1957 and Dennis Greenwood in 1995; 3 grandchildren Gabriel, Michelle and Shawn; one sister Jean Kent and two brothers Charles Greer and Howard Greer. Friends will be received from 6-8pm Wednesday at the Casey, Halwig & Hartle Funeral Home 3128 W. State Rd. Olean and again on Thursday (July 3, 2014) from 10 to 11:30am. A prayer service will begin at 11:45am in the funeral home, followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 12:15pm at St. Mary of the Angels Church. Rev. Gregory Dobson, pastor, will be the celebrant. Burial will be in St. Bonaventure Cemetery. Memorials may be made to Friends of The Pines, 2245 W. State St. Olean, NY 14760 or to a charity of the donor's choice. Online condolences may be expressed at oleanfuneralhome.com.