Wilma Irene Simms

Wilma Irene (Bettigrew) Simms born the daughter of William (Bill) and Nora (Lumley) Bettigrew on October 11, 1924, in Black Rock AR and departed her life May 1, 2022, at Shady Oaks Health Care in Thayer MO at the age of 97 years.

Irene was married to Richard L. Simms on January 9, 1951 in Miami OK. They lived many years in the Kansas City area where she worked for JC Penney and Newberry Department Store. After retirement in the early 1970’s, they moved back to Thayer MO.

“Aunt Rene”, as most of her nieces and nephews called her, was a loving and caring Aunt and she will be missed by all.

Preceding her in death was her husband, Richard Simms; her parents, Bill and Nora Bettigrew; her sisters, Elzia Pliler, Myrtle Ivey, Helen Madden and Virgie Johnson; and several nieces and nephews.

Irene is survived by one niece, Shirley (Basil) Land of West Plains MO; one nephew, Charles E Steed (Ruby) of Thayer MO; several great nieces and nephews; other relatives; and many friends.

Irene was a member of the First Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) in Mammoth Spring AR for many years and was very active in the Christian Women’s Fellowship group.

The family would like to thank the staff at Shady Oaks facility for their love, support and wonderful care over the years for our Aunt Irene. We would also like to thank all our former Pastors for their care, visits and always making her feel included in the several years she resided at Shady Oaks.

Graveside services for Irene Simms, age 97, of Thayer, Missouri, will be held on Wednesday, May 4, 2022, at 2:00 p.m. at Riverside Cemetery in Mammoth Spring, Arkansas.

Interment will be on Wednesday, May 4, 2022 in Riverside Cemetery in Mammoth Spring, Arkansas with services under the direction of Carter Funeral Home, Inc. in Thayer, Missouri.