Wanda Jo Simmons, 62, died March 1 at Great Bend Regional Hospital. Born Oct. 10, 1952 in Casper, Wyo., she was the daughter of Daisy P. Fortna. Wanda graduated high school in Lenwood, Wash., and then later joined the Army where she served six years followed by six more years in the Army Reserve. An Ellinwood resident since 1982, Wanda married husband Francis Simmons on June 21, 1983 in Ellinwood. Wanda worked at Sterling House in Hutchinson as a CMA and was an avid reader who enjoyed nature and being outdoors.
Survivors include her husband, Francis Simmons, Ellinwood; a brother, Danny Bullington, Lawrence; two sisters, Waynette Stroda, Lawrence, and Pam Baker, Anchorage, Alaska; an aunt, Wanda L. Flemming; and five cousins, Gary Sager and Pauline, Boseman, Mont., and Carolyn Simmons, Peggy Wiche, Loretta Jones, James Simmons, all from Stockton, Mo.
She is preceded in death by her mother, Daisy Fortna, brother Steven Bullington, grandmother Levita Dickerson; aunt, Ramona Martin; uncle, John Flemming.
A memorial service is planned for Saturday March 7, 2015 at 10:30 a.m. at Minnis Chapel in Ellinwood, with Pastor Mike Joiner presiding. Inurnment will follow at Lakin-Comanche District Cemetery in Ellinwood. Condolences may be left online at www.minnischapel.org. Memorials are suggested to donor’s choice in care of Minnis Chapel, PO Box 246, Ellinwood, KS 67526.


Funeral arrangements provided by
Minnis Chapel*
P.O. Box 246
Ellinwood, KS 67526
Great Bend (Kan.) Tribune, March 4, 2015