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1963 - 2013

BORN

1963

DIED

2013

FUNERAL HOME

Franklin & Downs Funeral Home McHenry Chapel

1050 McHenry Avenue

Modesto, California

Kelly Simkins Obituary

Kelly Leann Simkins
November 6, 1963 -
July 4, 2013
Kelly Leann Simkins passed away unexpectedly on July 4, 2013. She was born on November 6, 1963 in Tracy, CA, to Charles & Alpha Jackson. She lived in Modesto for 35 years. She leaves behind her spouse, Everett Simkins, 29 years together, and her daughter Kimberly Ladd and two grandsons, Logan & Mason Ladd. She is survived by her mother, Alpha Omega Jackson and two sisters, Catherine Ann VonGunten of Delhi and Carolyn Walters of Modesto. She is preceded in death by her father, Charles Jackson. Family was important to Kelly, she would always say "I Love You" and would make sure you got a hug. Kelly also enjoyed the outdoors. She loved fishing, hiking, and camping. Kelly's greatest past time was spending time with her daughter and grandsons.
Memorial service will be at Franklin & Downs, McHenry Chapel on July 12, 2013 at 11:00am.
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Published by Modesto Bee on Jul. 10, 2013.

Memories and Condolences
for Kelly Simkins

24 Entries

Stephanie (Kish) Mason

April 6, 2025

PS Kell, I am looking forward to those amazing hugs again my friend and seeing your beautiful smile and hearing your own of kind amazing laugh! you!

Stephanie (Kish) Mason

April 6, 2025

I don't know where to begin. I'm in utter shock to find this obituary pop up unexpected when I googled ya Kell to connect back up after all this time. I will never forget how we met in the parking lot of all places in the so called, "smoking section" at Beyer High hanging out when I was a Sophmore and you were a senior. We clicked immediately and had some pretty wild fun going to the beach in Monterey and playing in between working hard. You at your dad's Chevron and me at my moms nursing home. Those were the days my incredible friend and I am so sad that we lost track of one another after I married the preacher man. We together could light up any room and put the fun in party. You had a contagious laugh and beautiful smile. I will have to find our old pics together down at the wharf. The last time I saw ya my friend was in 1988 after being married 2 yrs and brought my preacher man hubby to meet you and Buzz at your apt on the corner off Tully. And I remember the day you had beautiful Kimberly and you asked us to say prayers and dedicate her. I have prayed for you every day Kell as you asked me to after the last time I saw you. I have not forgotten you. You have and will forever be in my . I look forward to seeing you again my beautiful friend Kelly. To the family who remains to this day my deepest heartfelt love and prayers go out to you. I am still in shock. A bright light out way too soon. rest in peace Kell. Until we meet again. And it won't be in the smoking section of heaven! I will meet you at the beautiful crystal sea where we splash in the heavenly waters and hike and be surrounded by amazing sights and never have to sleep, or say goodby ever again as it willbhe for eternity thanks to Jesus who made it possible and loves you so incredibly much. you forever Kell.

Stacye Blair

August 12, 2013

Somewhere around 19 years ago I was grappling with meth addiction..and with a new boyfriend. About a week after my boyfriend went to jail for my bag some friends took us for a drive up to the snowy Sierra's where we found a sweet natural arch of branches. Our friends gave us some alone time on that mountain and my boyfriend and I exchanged our vows. And we just celebrated 19 wonderful years together. The drivers? Buzz and Kelly. I have been replaying so many memories today. So many fun memories at the pool, crafting, or just talking and hanging out. You both were amazing friends in my book. I'm so glad that facebook reunited us, if even for a short time. I'm glad I got to say THANKS in person before you both left us. I'll be praying for Kimberly's strength. And for Everett, Donnie, and Crystal too. You'll both be missed by so many.

Stacye Blair

August 12, 2013

OMG Kelly I just found out you left us this morning. I have so many fond memories. You were such a support for me when I first got clean off meth. I pray that you're dancing with angels in heaven.
Kimberly, I am so VERY sorry for your loss.

sarah reddick

July 13, 2013

Kelly I cant believe your gone when adam called it didn't sink in ill never forget the funn we had and kim she was so proud of you she was amazing buz she loved you always im trying to come see you need the address love you Kelly rest with the angels

Lois Talley Palmer

July 12, 2013

In loving memory of a wonderful cousin. I will always remember the childhood memories we have shared. You will always live in my heart and prayers.

Carolyn Jackson-Walters

July 11, 2013

Kelly, I don't know where to begin. Every time I go to write this I'm overwhelmed with tears. We did some crazy things together you and I. You were more than my sister, you were my best friend. Don't worry about Kimberly, my door and heart will always be open for her. RIP I Love You!

Carolyn Jackson-Walters

July 11, 2013

I don't know where to begin. I can't write this without tears in my eyes. We did some crazy things together you and I. You were more then my sister you were my best friend. You know you need not worry about Kimberly, my door and heart will always be open for her. RIP my sister, I Love You!

Julia Kerrigan

July 11, 2013

Kelly, I am happy to have had the opportunity to have met you. You seem like such a wonderful and kind person. While I have not met the rest of your family, you do leave behind at least one very strong daughter. Rest in Peace.

Kaycie McClure

July 11, 2013

Kelly,
I dont think that my mind can comprehend the fact that you're gone. But you're really not your memory will live on. I will never forget swimming at the apartments with you, going to lake, sneaking in motels to go hot tubbin, the waterslides. There are too many memories to count. I love you and you will forever be remembered.

The Brandons

July 11, 2013

Kim, so sorry for your loss. Praying for you and your family. May your mom continue to bless you from above.

Caity Lawlor

July 11, 2013

Kelly, I had not seen or spoken to you since I was in elementary school, but I was truly shocked to hear of your passing. You raised one amazing daughter. I hope you forever rest in peace. God called another angel home.

Roberta

July 11, 2013

Kelly belly, over the years our family has had plenty of ups and downs. But no matter what we were always there for each other when it mattered most. I'm sorry we weren't able to be there for you more! I will miss that smile and contagious laugh! Rest in Peace cousin! We love you!

Martha Porter

July 11, 2013

Kelly I will miss you forever. I will forever remeber you all the good times we had together, swimming, going on short trips, just hanging out, everthing!!! May you rest in peace and watch over all of us. I love you cousin!!!

kristin Folse

July 11, 2013

Kelly,
You will be dearly missed by all. Your smile and contagious laughter is what I will remember about you the most. I know Kim has made you the proudest parent and I know she will keep on doing so. You have raised such a strong independent and fun loving girl, she is like you in a lot of ways and I am convinced that your light will shine down through her. She will keep your spirit alive by doing things that you love to do and I know she sill cherish every moment she spent with you. We will help her get through this difficult time the best we can, and I know she looks forward to the day when you guys can go rafting down the river in heaven together.....RIP my dear.

July 10, 2013

So So sorry to see you go. you were and always will be "MY FRIEND" God speed to you, I'll miss you.

Crystal Retzlaff

July 10, 2013

You were always in my life since I can remember , through all we've been through you always loved me and were my friend . I will miss you forever.

Our day at Discovery Kingdom. Loved spending that day with you mom! We had a lot of fun <3

Kim Ladd

July 10, 2013

Merissa Michaels

July 10, 2013

Aunt Kelly you will never be forgotten, that laugh and smile. I have a variety of wonderful memories that will always make me smile. Your now an Angel to watch over all of us. May you rest in peace. I love you.

An amazing day we had, making wonderful memories.

Kimberly Ladd

July 10, 2013

Mom, you are my best friend. And even though you aren't hear physically anymore, you are here spiritually. I so wish I could pick up the phone and hear your voice on the other end again, or see your smiling face. I will do everything I can to make you proud of me, and your grandsons. We miss you so much. It isn't fair that you were taken away so suddenly. I love you mom, my beautiful angel.

Love you <3

Renee Porter

July 10, 2013

Kelly you are now are angel, I love you and will always remember the fun times we had. RIP SWEET ANGEL.Love your cousin Renee

Rikki Dewald

July 10, 2013

Kelly belly fo nana nana felly, I cannot believe you aren't here with us anymore. It doesn't seem real.. You were such an amazing cousin, who had an awesome personality! We shared some pretty cool memories, trips to the lake, river, or just for a short drive. You also taught me how to apply my mascara, and I'll never forget your face, your mouth was open when you were putting the mascara on! I will cherish those memories forever. I will miss you dearly, I love you. Rest in peace.

Rikki DeWald

July 10, 2013

Cindy Smith

July 9, 2013

I believe cousins are our very first friends in life. We share family, we share a childhood and we share memories, we are a part of one another. My dear cousin Kelly, you will forever live in my heart.

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