Patsy Ruth Simmons

Patsy Ruth Simmons, 98, departed this life Friday, Dec. 19, 2025, at Southgate Nursing and Rehab Center in Metropolis.

She was born on July 22, 1927, in Bardwell, Kentucky, the daughter of the late Robert and Thelma Lee Halteman. She was a graduate of Bardwell High School and, like many young women of her generation, joined the workforce in support of the war effort. Patsy was the loving mother of her late son, Stanley Newell; the devoted wife of her late husband, Thomas "Tommy" Simmons; and a proud grandmother and great-grandmother.

A lifelong resident of Cairo, Patsy was the oldest member of Mighty Rivers Worship Center, where she was a faithful member. She looked forward each week to Bible Study class, as well as daily lunches with friends at the Happy Days Senior Center and her volunteer work at the Mission Store.

Patsy was a skilled seamstress by vocation and, in her retirement years, enjoyed hand-quilting as a pastime hobby second only to patronizing her favorite baseball team, the St. Louis Cardinals.

She will be remembered by her family and friends for her fierce independence, pleasant personality, quick wit, and for always putting her "best self forward" with her sense of style and grace.

She is survived by a grandson, Michael Newell, and wife Sabrina of O'Fallon, Missouri; four great-grandchildren, Jamie, Calleigh, Riley, and Jack; a daughter-in-law, Gretchen Newell; and numerous nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents, son, and husband; three sisters, Rosemary Burnett, Dorothy Reasons, and Helen Riddle; and two brothers, Joe Halteman and Keith Halteman.

Her family extends its gratitude to her caregivers and the staff at Southgate Nursing and Rehab Center for their compassion and care.

Visitation was held from 11 a.m. to noon Monday, Dec. 22, immediately followed by funeral services with the Rev. Larry Potts officiating at Crain Funeral Home in Cairo. Interment will be held at Rose Lawn Cemetery in Bardwell, Kentucky.

Crain Funeral Home in Cairo is in charge of arrangements.