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BORN
1927
DIED
2020
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Patricia Simmons Obituary
Patricia Eisele Simmons passed away Saturday, November 28, 2020. She was born in Phoenix on May 24, 1927 to proud parents Lloyd and Ruth Eisele and sister to Sally and Ed.
Patty attended Kenilworth Elementary School, North High and Scripps College. She transferred to the University of Arizona and pledged Kappa Kappa Gamma. During her time at UofA, she met a handsome charismatic man, Clark Rorbach on the steps of the University Library. They married after graduating and had four children: Betsy, Sally, Clark and Katherine. They raised their children in North Central and she became involved in many charity organizations which to this day benefit the Valley.
She served as Chairman of St. Luke's Board of Visitors (was one of the original Flower Girls in 1944 & 1945), Chairman of Barrow Women's Board and Barrow Grand Ball, President of the Junior League of Phoenix, President of Valley Field Riding and Polo Club and Co-Chairman of the Arizona Centennial Celebration.
In 1973, Jim Simmons and Patty attended the Heart Ball on a blind date. After three months of dating, Jim drove Patty to "Lookout Point" on Camelback Mountain and proposed. That was the beginning of 40 blissful years of marriage. They enjoyed traveling with friends and family all over the world, spending summers in Forest Highland, dancing through the house after Black Tie events, playing tennis, golf, Backgammon and completing daily crossword puzzles.
Patty is survived by her children Betsy Thornton, Sally Guenther (Ted), Clark Rorbach (Leslie), Katherine Cornish, William Simmons (Sharon), David Simmons (Andrea) and Nanci Hickerson (Phil), 17 grandchildren, 10 greatgrandchildren and her brother Edward Eisele.
Patty was loved and adored by friends and family. She never spoke ill of another, was a cheerleader to all, a confidante and best friend to many. She had an effervescent personality, a smile that would light up a room and a gift of making everybody feel important in her life.
The family is incredibly grateful to Lute Thompson for his attention to Mom with many fun dinners and luncheons, movies and Gin Rummy. They developed a wonderful friendship.
A private service has been held by the family.
Contributions in Patty's honor may be made to:
The Board of Visitors
7227 North 16th Street, Suite 101
Phoenix, AZ 85020
or
The Barrow Women's Board
[email protected]
124 West Thomas Road, Suite 250
Phoenix, AZ 85013
Arrangements entrusted to Whitney and Murphy Funeral Home.
Post Scripts by Posey.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Patricia Simmons
Sponsored by Whitney & Murphy Funeral Home.
Posey Moore Nash
November 28, 2021
Oh Peppermint, you are missed daily...I hope you and Jim are dancing. Thank you for your unconditional love always. #4 You would not be too happy with the way things are right now, Jim either!
Kelsey
January 6, 2021
Very saddened to hear of Mrs. Simmons passing. Her positive impact on our community will always be remembered. I am grateful to have known her.
Janine Jacobs
December 23, 2020
Having known Patty for 20+ years, getting to do her hair once a week, I feel very blessed to have been able to call her “family “!! She was like my Grandma, one of the sweetest people I’ve ever known!! I think about her everyday when I drive past the Terraces. Sometimes, (well a lot of the time) I sing or hum songs while I do hair and she would always say, “you know all the words to all the songs!!” And, that I should perform... hahaha!!! “Yeah Patty... people are going to pay money to hear me hummm!!” She was so funny!!! I truly miss her...
December 6, 2020
May your hearts soon be filled with wonderful memories of joyful times together as you celebrate a life well lived.
Posey Moore Nash
December 6, 2020
Her unconditional love will always be a treasured gift.....
Thank you for bestowing it on all of us......I love you Peppermint.
Always,
#4
Betsy Hughes Baker
December 4, 2020
A beautiful soul. She was an amazing woman with four incredible children. Always gracious and kind. May her memory be a blessing to all who loved her. My favorite story was about her and her girls in London. Joan Collins (yes THAT Joan Collins) asked one of the wait staff who those beautiful women were. Priceless! Much love to Betsy, Sally, Clark and Catherine. May Light Perpetual Shine Upon her.
Laura and Hank Mackey
December 4, 2020
We are so deeply saddened to hear of Patty’s passing. She brought so much to the Phoenix community. She led a truly amazing life. Our deepest sympathy to her family.
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