Obituary of Ricki Lucille Simmons

Ricki Jensen Simmons was born in Sioux City, Iowa to Marylin and Verle “Stash” Jensen. She was premature and as a result had cerebral palsy. Despite all her obstacles, she led an outstanding life. She attended college and received a master’s degree in speech pathology. She got tired of the snow in Iowa and without much help and having never been here before, moved to Ft. Walton Beach and then Pensacola to work. She was speech therapist and pre-school teach at United Cerebral Palsy (now E Street Capstone Academy) and then moved to the Escambia County School System. She worked there for 35 years at Holm Elementary and Escambia Westgate Center. She was Teacher of the Year in 2001. She and William “Bill” Simmons were married 32 years until his death. They had two children William Joseph “BJ” Simmons and Paige Elizabeth Simmons who unfortunately both preceded her in death. She is survived by her brother Scott Jensen, his wife Vicki, and their adult children Doug, Brad, and Kali. The last 10 years, she resided at local facilities that provided nursing care. She NEVER complained and always said “thank you” to the staff working with her. I would like to express my thanks to the First United Methodist Church’s Senior Care Ministers for being so faithful and loving. Services will be held at Wesley Abbey Parlor of First United Methodist Church on 10/23 at 11:00 where she will also be interred. Gifts to this ministry or to United Cerebral Palsy (Capstone Academy 2912 North “E” Street) may be made in her name.

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