Helen Peters Simmons

Helen Peters Simmons, 95, passed away peacefully in her sleep on April 17, 2017. 

Her Life began in the aftermath of the Great War (WWI), Helen Peters Simmons was born in Garber, OK and grew up in the Cherokee Strip of Oklahoma; endured parts of the Dust Bowl; and learned frugality in the Great Depression.

When World War II came along, Helen supported the country and the servicemen, eventually marrying Horace Simmons, Jr., one of those same servicemen who were stationed a short drive from her home. 

Raising three children in the booming '50s, she entered the '60s a single parent. But Helen was never one to complain about her life, she simply did what she had to, including a 29 year career with the Federal Aviation Agency.  Taking advantage of promotions at work, Helen moved around the country after her children left home. She called Lubbock, Seattle, Mesa, and Prescott (among others) home. 

It was during her time in Seattle that Helen took up Volksmarching (an international walking club). She loved the hiking, the camaraderie, and the travel to new places. She is one of a select few who have hiked a 10K in all fifty states.  She was more than two-thirds of her way through her next goal, that of walking a 10 K in all fifty state capitals, when she had to slow down. She also completed walks in six Canadian provinces, and in the British Isles, Scandinavia, and Europe.  Her last walking tour was in Russia at the age of 86. Helen was an avid genealogist and through her researches became a member of the Daughters of the American Revolution. Throughout her life, Helen enjoyed books, poetry, music, and musical films and generously shared them with others. Her last residence was at Granite Gate Senior Living Community in Prescott , where her bright smile and cheerful approach to life quickly gained her many friends. She will be missed by all her friends and her family. SurvivorsShe is survived by her daughter, Ruth Anne, and her son John; grandchildren Tina, Selina, Anthony, Christine, Christopher, Jennifer, and Jeremy; 12 great-grandchildren; and 1 great-great-grandchild. Sadly, her eldest son, Horace, passed away in 2009. Ruffner-Wakelin Funeral Home assisted the family with arrangements.