Shirley Ardella Simmons, 86 of Chatham, IL, passed away on February 4, 2024, at Lewis Memorial Christian Village in Springfield, IL, with her children by her side. She was born on September 4, 1937, in Macomb, IL, to the late Melvin and Irene (Carlon) White.

Shirley and her family moved to Mt. Auburn, IL, and later graduated from Mt. Auburn High School. She married Howard Dwight Simmons on August 6, 1955, at Mt. Auburn Methodist Church and they spent many happy years together before he preceded her in death on March 30, 2020. Before her retirement, Shirley worked as a surgical technician at St. Vincent Hospital for forty-two years in Taylorville.

She is survived by her children: David D. (Brenda) Simmons of Auburn, IL; Daniel (Beth) Simmons of Mt. Auburn, IL; and Janet L. (Jerry) Sheley of Chatham, IL: grandchildren: Leanne Stewart of Spring Lake, MI; Greg (Mandy) Simmons of Waverly, IL; Nathan (Gia) Simmons of Forsyth, IL; Katrina (Gary) Rexroad of Mt. Auburn, IL; Chelsea Allison of Chicago, IL; Megan (Clayton) Rothe of Chatham, IL; Ethan Sheley of Bolivar, MO; great-grandchildren: Madison Stewart of Auburn, IL; Parker Stewart of Auburn, IL; Lily and Hank Simmons of Waverly, IL; Grant and Adelyn Simmons of Forsyth, IL; Kendall, Karlee, and Elliott Rexroad of Mt. Auburn, IL; Jassper and Jerrik Sheley of Rolla, MO; Rutledge Sheley of Bolivar, MO; and Ada and Nora Jane Rothe of Chatham, IL.

She was preceded in death by her parents: Melvin and Irene White; her husband: Howard Simmons; sisters: Charlotte Akins; Sharon Young; brother: Charles White and one great-grandson: Samual David Simmons.

A visitation will be held on Saturday, February 10, 2024, from 9:00-11:00 a.m. at Sutton Memorial Home in Taylorville, IL. A funeral service will begin at 11:00 a.m. with Pastor James Jones officiating. Interment will follow at Grove City Cemetery.

Memorials in her honor may be made to Taylorville Christian Church.

Sutton Memorial Home is assisting the family with arrangements.