Patsy Ann Simms, 72, of Peoria Heights, passed away at 8:20 a.m. on Tuesday, June 2, 2009, at home, with her family by her side.
Patsy was born in Morton on December 26, 1936, a daughter of Henry A. and Lou Ora (Campbell) Binkele. She was formerly married to Robert Wohl. She married J.R. Simms on December 27, 1985 in Peoria. He survives.
She is also survived by her daughters, Myra Haas of Metamora, Susan (Gary) Poland of Midland, OH and Marie (Shawn) Robinson of Peoria; sons, Alan (Frances) Wohl of Peoria, Michael (Jeanne Dipple) Wohl of Davenport, IA, David (Azizah) Wohl of Orange Park, FL and Billie Simms of Peoria; brother, Robert (Mimi) Binkele of Woodhull; sisters, Betty Kinney of Pekin and Martha (Gherel) Platis of Morton; grandsons, Matthew King of Peoria, Alexander and Ethan Wohl of Orange Park, FL, Caleb, Benjamin (Carly), Tanner and Logan Robinson all of Peoria and Richard Starkweather II of Rome, IL; granddaughters, Mellissa (Peter) Gorman of Chicago, Molly McCoy of Peoria, Bethany (Jake Madigan) Robinson of Peoria, Brittany Robinson of New York, NY and Christie Starkweather of East Peoria; great grandchildren, Haley Crombie of East Peoria and Lilith Claire and Braiden Robinson of Peoria. Her granddaughter, Sarah Wohl, and two brothers, Henry J. and Jerry Binkele, preceded her in death.
Patsy converted to Judaism in 1956 and was formerly active at the Agudas Achim Synagogue in Peoria. She was formerly employed at the Glen Oak Zoo Gift Shop.
Patsy enjoyed watching the Chicago Bears, the Chicago Cubs and NASCAR, especially Dale Earnhardt, Jr.; collecting ceramic bells and NASCAR memorabilia; visiting the Glen Oak/Peoria Zoo; spending time with her three cats, the squirrels in her back yard and her family. She always put her family first.
Graveside services and interment will be at 10:30 a.m. on Thursday, June 4, 2009, at Peoria Hebrew Cemetery, with Rabbi Eli Langsam officiating. Following services, the family will receive friends and host a luncheon at the Comfort Suites at 1812 West War Memorial Drive in Peoria.
Memorial contributions may be made in Patsy’s memory to The Peoria Zoo, the American Cancer Society’s Road to Recovery or to Methodist Hospice.
Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to Clary Funeral Home in Peoria.
Auntie Pat will always be a treasure in my heart. She could always make me smile and was first in line to have fun with the kids when we were growing up. I will never forget how she stabbed the cake at her 60th birthday party. She may have been a grown up but at heart she was still a kid. I will also remember how the guys teased her about belonging at the zoo with the other monkeys. I will miss her dearly. Love Always!! Lori
| Teresa Poland |
Sue's Sis-In-Law |
June 11, 2009 |
Sorry for your loss. My condolences to her whole family. Very glad to have Sue as my Sister in Law. She makes my brother Gary happy and so glad they married when they did so Sues Mom could be present.
| Colleen Hillard (WARD) |
friend of family |
June 6, 2009 |
Sue, Myra Alan Mike and David
Boy allot of good memories of your mom! So sorry that she has passed, Cancer can be sooo nasty. I know I have it myself. I hope and pray you all get through this time safely. Sue if you ever want to talk give me a call 309 274 6601. We're living in Chillicothe now. A grand lady has left us and hopefully we will see her in our own time. May God bless you all
| Debbie Nimrick |
friend |
June 4, 2009 |
I am so sorry for your loss. Glen Oak Zoo has lost a sweet lady with such a smile that could light up a room. May you all find piece with her memory.
