Connie Simmons
1940 - 2023
Connie Simmons
1940 - 2023
Obituary
Guest Book
Connie Simmons Obituary
February 25, 1940 - February 09, 2023
Merced, California - Merced, California-
Connie (Chello) Susan Simmons, born on February 25, 1940, in Merced Ca., passed on February 9, 2023, in Merced Ca. Born to Rose Ortiz and Antonio Espinosa, she was the eldest of six children and a 1959 graduate of Merced High School and Merced Community College graduate with her AA.
Connie worked at Franklin School as a Teacher's Aide for 31 years, Foster Freeze for 15+ years, sold Avon for 30+ years and ran the Merced Speedway Pit Area Concession Stand named after her; Connie's Corner. Connie was a proud owner of a 1969 Camaro which she purchased brand new in 1969 and drove around proudly.
Connie had a great enthusiasm for going on family trips from Disney Land to riding on a hot air balloon over Lake Tahoe, to every festival near and far. Including going with her grandchildren to see them perform at many of their events.
Connie's generosity, strength and sense of humor will be greatly missed by all who knew her, she is leaving behind a heartbroken family. She is survived by her sisters Clara Anguis (Sal), Emily Ortiz, Linda Sandoval and Phyllis Witcomb, her children Richard Simmons (Patty), Donna Simmons (Chuck Bussey), her grandchildren Ryan Albright (Michael), Ashley Klotz (Ian), Alexis Santos (Nick), Chey Simmons and Tagen Simmons, Great Grandchildren William Albright, Tyler Albright, Riley Albright, Cora Klotz, Juddah Klotz, Baby Girl Santos due in July and many nieces, nephews, cousins and friends. She is predeceased by her son Jonathan Simmons, her mother, father, her stepfather Frank Ortiz, and brother Frank Ortiz, Jr.
Services for Connie will be held at St. Anthony's Church in Atwater on Friday, February 24, 2023 with her viewing starting at 11:00 am, Rosary at 11:30 am and Mass at 12:00 pm, burial to follow at Winton Cemetery. A Celebration of Life will be held after services at Costa Restaurant, 1857 Bellevue Road, Atwater, CA 95348.
If sending flowers or plants, please have them arrive on February 23, 2023, at Whitton Family Funeral Services at 740 W. 19th Street, Merced, CA 95340 or please consider a donation to a charity of your choice in Connie's name.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Donna Simmons
August 27, 2023
Kara Middlebrooks
June 20, 2023
I just learned of Connie's death. Sincere condolences to her family. I enjoyed working with her at Franklin School for many years.
Gene briggs
March 10, 2023
Donna I am so sad to hear about your mom.She was a good person and will be missed.
Gene briggs.
Rebecca Walia (Ortiz)
February 23, 2023
I fondly remember the Sunday family gatherings at Uncle Frank and Aunt Rosie’s house and for my father’s birthday at Christmas time. It had been years since I had seen you my dear cousin. I was blessed and eternally grateful to get to visit with you a few months ago. Prayers and love to Donna and Richard and the rest of the family.
How you can show support
Follow
Get email updates whenever changes are made.
Send flowers
Consider sending flowers.
Add photos
Share their life with photo memories.
Plant trees
Honor them by planting trees in their memory.
Donate in Memory
Make a donation in memory of your loved one.
Share this page
Invite other friends and family to visit the page.
Patty Bever
February 19, 2023
Dear Richard and Donna and Connie´s family, it broke my heart when I heard of Connie´s passing away. I´m glad that I got to spend time with her. You all have my deepest sympathy as I know what it´s like to lose a loved one. My thoughts and prayers go out to each and everyone of you! Connie will surely be missed! Love and hugs! Patty Bever
Vivian Cerda
February 18, 2023
My condolences to the Simmons and Ortiz families. I haven't seen this side of my family in years but I still have great memories of spending time at my Uncle Frank's and Aunt Rosie's ranch as a kid. Seeing all the girls and Junior. I'm so sorry for your loss. Cousin Connie sounds like a beautiful person, and now she's a beautiful angel.
Love and Hugs.... Vivian
Madelyn Valdez
February 17, 2023
In loving memory of a wonderful person. We will love you and miss you always. Chello was the light at every family event. She was good natured, had a great smile and possessed a warm sense of humor.
Showing 1 - 8 of 8 results
740 W. 19th St., Merced, CA 95340
Make a Donation
in Connie Simmons's name
Please consider a donation as requested by the family.
How to support Connie's loved ones
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?
What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?
We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read more
Resources to help you cope with loss
How to Cope With Grief
Information and advice to help you cope with the death of someone important to you.
Read more
Estate Settlement Guide
If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast
Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read moreWays to honor Connie Simmons's life and legacy
Obituary Examples
You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.
Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples
These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.
Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?
Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.
Read more
