GORDON, Neb. – Violet May Simmons left her earthly home to be with her Lord and Savior on May 7, 2017. She was dearly loved and will be sorely missed, but is now experiencing joy unspeakable and the amazing love of Jesus.
Violet was born on June 9, 1923, in Torrington to Paul Vernon Eaton and Florence Joy Harmon. When she was close to 1 year old, her mother died of tuberculosis. For the first 6 years of her life, Violet was raised by her Grandparents, W O and Mabel Eaton in Torrington.
When her father remarried, Violet went to live with her dad and his new bride, Ethel Margaret (Griffin) Eaton. After a few years Violet’s brothers, Wayne and Vernon were born. She loved them both dearly. The family moved around during the Dust Bowl years living in Torrington, raising wheat in Kansas, and finally buying a grove and raising oranges and grapefruit in Bradenton, Fla. Some of her fondest memories of childhood included working for her grandpa in his hardware store in Torrington, swimming in the Manatee River, outings to the beach with her Griffin cousins in Florida and camping with her Grandpa Eaton in the mountains of Colorado. She lived through the Dust Bowl years in Kansas, which caused her to be empathetic and frugal the rest of her life.
Violet graduated from Torrington High School and went on to business college in 1942. Her first job after college was as secretary to the County Extension Agent in Torrington, who became her aunt, Avis Eaton. In high school, Violet fell in love with Jasper Simmons and they became sweethearts. After the war, they were married in Bradenton, on Oct. 27, 1946. Violet and Jack set up housekeeping first on the Simmon’s ranch in Torrington, then in Denver, and then moved to McCook, Neb., where their first two babies were born.
The pastorate then took them to Imperial, Neb, and another baby was born. A few years later they moved to Colorado Springs, Colo., to work with The Navigators. Here Violet had her last baby and worked as a homemaker for the next 33 years. She was a firm yet very loving mother. When her family was grown, she began working as an in-home caregiver for elderly people, which she accomplished with great skill and
compassion.
Violet and Jack moved to Torrington in 1993 to care for her mother-in-law, Frata Simmons. They moved again to Gordon to live closer to their son, Paul, in 2001.
Her hobbies included reading, making candles for her friends and neighbors and many other crafts. Her greatest joy was gardening and she often had the prettiest flowerbeds in the neighborhood. She loved trips to the mountains, but only stopped to picnic if there was a creek nearby.
She was a very hard worker and a caring, compassionate person. Violet was always ready to give the shirt off her back to anyone in need. She loved little children and taught children’s church to three- and four-year olds for many years. Violet was a Christian and loved our Lord with all her heart. She was greatly loved by her family and friends and her passing will leave a hole in our hearts. However, we are rejoicing in the fact that this world is not our home and we will be together again soon.
Her family includes brother: Paul Vernon Eaton Jr and spouse Nancy (South Carolina), sister-in-law Doris Eaton (Florida), children; Ethel Newell (Oregon), Virginia Schrenk and spouse Evan (Oregon), Paul Simmons and spouse Karen (Gordon) and Jonathan Simmons. Her family also includes 10 grandchildren, 20 great-grandchildren and many nieces and nephews. Preceding her in death were her parents, Paul and Ethel Eaton, husband Jasper (Jack) Simmons, brother Wayne Eaton, son-in-law John Newell and grandson, David Newell.
Graveside services were held Friday, May 12, 2017, at Valley View Cemetery in
Torrington.
A memorial has been established and donations may be sent in care of Chamberlain-Pier Funeral Home, PO Box 366, Gordon,
NE 69343
