Elizabeth Jane Allen-Simmons

Elizabeth Jane (Curless) Allen-Simmons, 64, passed away on January 13, 2025. Elizabeth was born on March 8, 1960 in Kansas City, MO to Robert W. and Muriel J. Curless. 

 Elizabeth, a life-long resident of the Kansas City area, grew up in a large family with a loving mother and father, four brothers and four sisters. She graduated from Center High School in Kansas City. Known as ‘Betsy’ to her family & friends, she was shy, kind, caring and always greeted her loved ones with a big warm smile. Elizabeth had a great love for music, particularly the Rolling Stones. She had a passion for working with numbers, which landed her a career with the Internal Revenue Service in Kansas City. Her two children, Brittany & James, were her pride & joy. Her eyes lit up with pure happiness when she was with them, and they made frequent visits to see ‘grandma and grandpa’. She was attentive to Brittany’s health challenges, and supported her during participation in Special Olympics and other activities. 

 In later years, Elizabeth was challenged with Multiple sclerosis (MS) and dementia, residing in a long-term care facility for the last 14 years of her life. She was always happy to have visitors and attend family events. Gratefully, she never lost her smile and knew who everyone was. She will be greatly missed. 

 Elizabeth is survived by her son, James S. Allen, brothers David Curless and Robert Curless Jr., sisters Barbara Bradish (Kevin) and Cynthia Witthar, sister-in-law Susan Curless, and numerous nieces and nephews. 

Elizabeth was preceded in death by her parents, husband Paul Simmons, daughter Brittany J. Curless, brothers Donald Curless and Michael Curless, and sisters Margaret Pyle and Claudia Curless.