Patsy June Simmons

Patsy June Simmons, age 87, passed away peacefully at home in Springfield, Missouri, on September 2, 2026, with her loving husband by her side. She was born on July 6, 1939, in Parsons, Kansas, to Jack and Della Ringo, growing up alongside her older sister, Betty, and younger sisters, Linda and Jane.

A graduate of the University of Kansas School of Nursing, Patsy dedicated her professional life to the care and comfort of children. She served with enduring patience, skill, and warmth—first as a pediatric nurse and later as an elementary school nurse—offering steady encouragement to countless young lives throughout her career.

On January 6, 1963, Patsy married Don Harold Luellen, and together they made their home in Prairie Village, Kansas, for nearly forty-five years. They were blessed with two children, Donna and Parry. Patsy poured her heart into her family and community, faithfully serving in the choir at Southminster Presbyterian Church and being actively involved in every facet of her children’s lives. As a grandmother, she traveled near and far to sit in the audience for games, concerts, and milestones. She expressed her deep devotion through her creative gifts—sewing personalized clothing, costumes, and keepsakes for those she loved and welcoming family to share lasting traditions at her mountain cabin.

When Don passed away on March 6, 2006, it was a profound, heartbreaking loss that shook her world. Navigating the quiet ache and heavy grief of losing her partner of more than four decades took immense strength. Yet even in her deepest sorrow, Patsy leaned fully on her faith, trusting the Lord to carry her through the valley and guide her steps forward.

In God’s grace and timing, a joyful new chapter began on October 17, 2009, when Patsy married John Thomas Simmons. An answered prayer for one another, they shared a deep, cherished companionship and were truly best friends, rarely leaving each other’s side. John brought renewed spirit, dancing, and easy laughter back into Patsy’s life, inspiring her to greet each day with gratitude and joy. Together, they embraced life on the road in their RV, visiting forty-eight states, making dear lifelong friends as "Winter Texans," and seeking out church communities where they could worship and serve God side by side. With this marriage, Patsy opened her heart wide to John’s family, embracing his sons—Michael, Johnny, and Joey—as her own.

Above all, Patsy was defined by her quiet grace, generous spirit, and steadfast loyalty. Her unwavering confidence in the Lord served as an anchor of peace throughout her lifetime and carried her gently through her final days.

Patsy was preceded in death by her parents, Jack and Della Ringo; her sister, Betty; and her first husband, Don Harold Luellen.

She is survived by her loving husband, John Thomas Simmons; her children, Donna Lynn Logan (Jim) and Parry Alan Luellen (Terry); her stepsons, whom she loved as family, Michael Robert Simmons, John Thomas Simmons III (Tammy), and Joseph Bruce "Joey" Simmons; her sisters, Linda Mayfield and Jane Hillier; six grandchildren; two great-grandchildren; five step-grandchildren; seven step-great-grandchildren; many nieces, nephews, and dear friends.

A memorial service will be held at 12:00 PM on Saturday, September 12, 2026, at National Heights Baptist Church, located at 3050 N. National Ave., Springfield, MO 65803.

Flowers and memorial tributes may be sent directly to National Heights Baptist Church.

Inurnment will take place at Southminster Presbyterian Church, located at 6306 Roe Ave, Prairie Village, KS 66208, with the date and time to be determined.