Phyllis Jean Simmons

Phyllis Jean Simmons, of Climax passed away on Saturday, February 1, 2020 at the age of 88. Phyllis was born May 23, 1931 on the family farm in Climax, MI. She was the daughter of Sherry and Alma (Staffen) Baughman. She graduated from Climax High School with the Class of 1949. On May 10, 1951 she married the love of her life, John P. Simmons. Phyllis was very active in her community and contributed in the following ways: member of the Scotts Elementary Mother’s Club for 11 years, Glowing Embers Girl Scouts for 15 years, 4-H leader for 10 years, Climax United Methodist Church, Climax American Legion, Michigan Extension Service for 25 years, volunteered at the Fort Custer Post for the mentally challenged children, for many years did an Indian demonstration at Thanksgiving for various schools, authored a book on the experiences of her husband during the Korean War, member of Climax Volunteer Road Committee, Prairie Home Historical Society, member of Lucinda Hinsdale Stone Chapter Daughters of the American Revolution, and National Society of the Daughter’s of the Union. Phyllis was also an elected official and served as Trustee on the Climax Township Board for 2 years and Supervisor on the Climax Township Board for 6 years. In her spare time, she loved working with crafts, knitting, her flower garden and sewing. Her Climax-Scotts friends and family were extremely important to her. She was preceded in death by her husband, John P. Simmons in 2003. She is survived by her two children John E. (Beth) Simmons, of Caledonia; Sherry Low, of Climax; four grandchildren: John Hollan (Danielle) Simmons, of Wayland; Andrew Simmons, of Caledonia; Justin (Sarah) Low, of Scotts; Nathan Low, of Climax; five great grandchildren: Ruby, Teddy, Nico, Salinger, and Gerrit. The family will receive friends on Thursday, from 4pm to 7pm at the Avink Funeral Home & Cremation Society, 5975 Lovers Lane, Portage, MI 49002 (269-344-5600). A funeral service will be held on Friday at 1pm at the funeral home with a burial following at Gilson Cemetery. Please visit Phyllis’ webpage at www.avinkcremation.com where you can read her complete obituary, sign the guestbook, and share a memory with her family. Those who wish may make contributions to the Prairie Historical Society, Climax, Michigan 49034.