Velma June (Simmons) Lantz, 86, of Franklin passed away on Oct. 6, 2026, at Pendleton Manor in Franklin.
She was born on Oct. 31, 1939, in Zigler, the daughter of the late Virgie Mae (Hartman) and Joseph Arvil Simmons.
Mrs. Lantz was a loving, hardworking woman. She stopped attending school after the eighth grade to work and help her parents and siblings, bringing in extra income to support their large family of 12. She began employment as a homemaker at the Mitchell Homestead in Upper Tract. This was where she met her future husband and father of her children, Arthur Guy Mitchell.
After she was married, she was employed by various households and businesses in the town of Franklin as a housekeeper during the years.
In her downtime, she enjoyed sewing, bird watching, cooking, baking, puzzles, and spoiling her granddaughters as they were growing up. She loved classic country music, The Andy Griffith Show, and listening to the radio each morning as she enjoyed her coffee.
On Oct. 19, 1962, she married Arthur Guy Mitchell, who preceded her in death. She later married Ned Lantz, who also preceded her in death.
She leaves behind to cherish her memory two daughters, Diana Mitchell and Tina Mitchell (Jose Pomales), all of Franklin; a son, Arthur Guy Mitchell, Jr. of Franklin; two granddaughters, Maria Pomales (Theo Young) of Virginia Beach, Va., and Sara Dyche (Cody) of New Creek; two sisters, Sally George of Riverton and Bonnie Simmons of Franklin; three brothers, Perry Simmons (Linda), George Simmons (Edna Lou) and Lacy Simmons, all of Franklin; two sisters-in-law, Annalee Mitchell of Franklin and Lorella Mitchell of Circleville; two great-grandsons, Garrett Dyche and Eli Dyche, both of New Creek; and many nieces and nephews who were dear to her heart.
She was also preceded in death by a son, Robert Jackson Mitchell; three sisters, Shirley Alexander, Gilda Meadows, and Judy Simmons; and a brother, Reford Simmons.
Funeral services were held Saturday in the chapel of the Basagic Funeral Home in Franklin with Eddie Hammer officiating. Interment was at Cedar Hill Cemetery in Franklin.
Memorials may be made to Pendleton Manor or Grant County Hospice.
Memories and words of comfort may be left at www.basagic.com or on Facebook at Basagic Funeral Home.
