Louanna Simmons

Today, Louanna opened the gate to her Forever Garden! Armed with a lifetime of experiences & knowledge, Louanna will make this garden the most unique & beautiful star in the sky. During her life, Louanna's love of nature, learning & knowledge was satisfied exploring many subjects. Growing up in Raytown, MO Louanna earned many scholastic & music awards during her K-12 school years graduating Valedictorian! While attending Kansas University where she earned a B.A. in Library Sciences, studied multiple languages and became a lifetime member of the Phi Beta Kappa Society, Louanna met the love of her life Robert Simmons. They were married 51 years making their home in Prairie Village, KS. Louanna & Robert raised 3 children (and many animals along the way). She was always involved with her children's many activities & took a leadership role in several. Louanna passed her love of animals and nature to her children, for which we are eternally grateful. Louanna was very resourceful and lived a ‘green’ life. She could take an ordinary object, reimagine a use and give it new life. Waste was not in her vocabulary!

In later years, Louanna took her love of gardening to a higher level - she became a certified Master Gardener! She joined several gardening clubs and in many cases helped start local chapters in the Kansas City area. She organized many plant sales, taught classes, did hours upon hours of volunteer work, served as a board member and much, much more! Louanna shared her love and knowledge of the plant world with many dear friends whom she deeply cherished. Her generosity with knowledge and plant specimens can be seen in many beautiful gardens of friends and family!!

Louanna is survived by her children Dayton Simmons of Santa Fe, NM, Brooke (Charles) Lamb of Eudora, KS, Tracy Simmons of Lenexa, KS and grandchild Jack Bakerink. She is proceeded in death by her parents Harry David Cole and Jessie Ellice Cole and her husband Robert John Simmons.

The family would like to thank Sunrise of Lenexa and Interim Hospice for the wonderful care and compassion they gave Louanna in the final years of her life. She is free of the disease that broke her heart!!

A private celebration of her life will be held later. If you would like to honor Louanna’s memory, we suggest a donation to The Alzheimer’s Assoc. or a local animal rescue shelter