Obituary of Helen Simmons

Longtime Hugo, Colorado and Mesa, Arizona resident Helen Simmons passed away in Mesa November 12, 2009. She was 95 years old. Helen was born June 21, 1914 in Fullerton, Nebraska to Johannes and Edith Brandt. She graduated from Shelby High School in 1930 and from Grand Island Business College in 1932. Helen moved to Hugo, Colorado and was employed by her uncle, George VanArsdale, at the Inland Utilities Company as the receptionist and accountant. Helen and James Simmons were married December 24, 1934 and had a lovely two day honeymoon before returning to Hugo, where they lived for the next 50 years and raised three children, Patricia, Janice, and James. They enjoyed traveling and in later years spent their summers in Colorado and their winters in Arizona. Helen was a member of the Hugo Methodist Church, Hugo Women’s Club, a Board member of the Hugo Public Library, a 4-H leader, and served as the treasurer of many of these and other organizations using her accounting skills. After her children were raised she continued her education and became a medical records librarian and worked many years at the Lincoln Community Hospital and Nursing Home organizing and maintaining their medical records. Helen loved to read, play bridge, sew, knit, and entertain friends. She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband, James, a daughter, Patricia, a son, James, two sisters and one brother. She is survived by her daughter, Janice and son-in-law, Kenneth Dowlin of Mesa, Arizona, one brother, Arthur of Lincoln Nebraska, eight grandchildren, fifteen great grandchildren, 2 great great grandchildren and many nephews and nieces, including Carol Garrison of Hugo.