Obituaries

Rena Ivona Simmons

Obituary

Rena Ivona Simmons, born November 13, 1934, in Tahlequah, Oklahoma, went to be with our Lord and Savior April 7, 2025, at the age of 90.

Rena grew up in Oklahoma, then moved to Washington to live with her older sister, Ramona. While there, she met her future husband, Earle E. Simmons. Shortly after meeting, Earle joined the Navy. They wed on November 13, 1954, and the life of a Navy wife brought many adventures for the next 26 years.

During their Navy years, they were stationed at Whidbey Island, WA, Lemoore, CA, Guam (two times), Japan, and Germany. At each new location, Rena embraced the change and made each place home for her family. They retired in 1980 and returned to Whidbey Island, WA.

During the years as a Navy wife, Rena worked at several different jobs including childcare, a cannery, and at a nursing home but her favorite position was always homemaker. Whenever possible, she was involved in her children’s extracurricular activities. After Earle retired, Rena opened a home daycare and got involved in church activities.  

Rena loved traveling to new places, foreign or domestic, playing pinochle and other games, camping, collecting recipes, and reading the Bible. Being with family, especially grandkids, was one of her greatest joys in life. She also loved serving others whenever she had the opportunity. Rena had a way of making everyone feel special and loved.

Rena will be lovingly remembered by her children, Deanna (Steve) Hall, Doug (Cyndi) Simmons, Kathy (Steve) Weir, and Stacey (Pete) Michel. Rena will also be affectionately remembered by her seven grandchildren: Ben, Jeremy, Sean, Joshua, Daniel, Stephen, and Lee, thirteen great-grandchildren and one great grandchild, and her siblings Norma, Wanda (Eugene), David (Pam), and Kathy (Ed). She was preceded in death by her husband, Earle Simmons, siblings Ramona and Sonny, son in law Steve Hall, and granddaughter Desiree Weir. Rena will also be fondly remembered by her extended family and dear friends.

A memorial service will be held on April 17, 2025 at The Chapel of the Resurrection in Bothell, WA. Visitation begins at 9:30 a.m. with the service following at 10:30 a.m. At 1:30 p.m. there will be a graveside service at Tahoma National Cemetery.