Barbara A. Simmons, 83, of Franklin died Jan. 25, 2023, at Pendleton Manor in Franklin.
She was born July 29, 1939, in the Dahmer community near Franklin and was the daughter of the late Emery Clinton Rexrode and Mary Susan “Sudie” Propst Rexrode.
Mrs. Simmons was a 1957 graduate of Franklin High School. During the 40 years that she worked as a bank teller at Pendleton County Bank, she made many friends. Both her co-workers and the bank customers spoke highly of her, and enjoyed not only her dedicated work ethic and efficiency in helping with banking needs, but also her welcoming smile, pleasantness, and laughter.
She was a member of Mt. Zion Lutheran Church. After the Mt. Zion church closed, she served on the annual homecoming planning committee, and as treasurer of the Church Preservation Association. She became a member of St. John Lutheran Church, where she attended regularly, was Sunday School treasurer, helped with Vacation Bible School and served the church in a number of other capacities.
She enjoyed spending time cooking and baking in her kitchen, and she loved sharing the food she prepared with her family and friends. No visitor to her home ever left hungry. Taking care of her flowers was also a favorite hobby. She always showed her support to local community organizations by attending gatherings such as lawn parties, benefit dinners, music shows and other fundraising events.
On Sept. 21, 1957, she married Claude M. Simmons, who preceded her in death on Nov. 5, 2015.
She was the last surviving member of her immediate family.
Surviving are a daughter, Terry Simmons and her fiancé, Maurice Davenport of Harrisonburg, Virginia; two sons, Kent Simmons and wife, Jennifer of Franklin, and Brad Simmons of Elkins; five grandchildren, Brittany Gumm, and husband, Brad, Kelsey Jamison, and husband, Brian, Vanessa Moats and husband, Andre, Dustin Simmons and Philip Simmons; three great-grandchildren, Liam Gumm, Everly Gumm and Jackson Simmons; a step-great-grandson, Brayden Friend; a sister-in-law, Fran Rexrode of Linville, Virginia; numerous nieces and nephews; a former PCB co-worker who remained her special friend and constant companion over the years, Shirley Wimer of Franklin; and her caregiver for the past year, Nancy Pultz of Moyers.
She was also preceded in death by three sisters, Geneva (Day) Dahmer, Mary Catherine Rexrode and Dorothy L. Judy; two brothers, Philip Edward Rexrode, and Daniel Clinton “Clint” Rexrode; three nephews, Edwin Ray Day, Rod Day and Don Rexrode; a daughter-in-law, Marsha Simmons, a step-granddaughter, Jennifer Friend, and a brother-in-law, Omer C. Judy, Jr.
A funeral service was held Saturday at St. John Lutheran Church in Moyers with Pastors Jason and Jess Felici officiating. Interment was at Cedar Hill Cemetery in Franklin.
Memorials may be made to St. John Lutheran Church, 26 Black Thorn Road, Sugar Grove, WV 26815 or Pendleton Manor, PO Box 700, Franklin, WV 26807.
Online condolences and memories may be shared at www.kimblefuneralhome.com.
Funeral arrangements were entrusted to the Kimble Funeral Home in Franklin.
