Ann Louise Simmons (Burek) 95, formerly of Traverse City, passed away on December 6, 2019 at The Fountains in Kalamazoo, MI after a long journey with dementia. Ann was born in Petoskey, Michigan on April 19, 1924 the youngest of nine children to Joseph and Antonette Burek. She was married to William Simmons in February 1950 who preceded her in death in 2003. All 8 brothers and sisters and her son, William R. Simmons, also preceded Ann in death.
What would Ann want you to know about her death? Something similar to what Billy Graham said before his death. "You may have come here today because you heard that Ann has died. Don't you believe a word of it! She is more alive now than she ever was on Earth. She has just changed her address. She has been welcomed into the presence of her savior and has met him face to face."
She is survived by her daughter, Carole Ann, of Richland, Michigan, her granddaughter, Caitlin of Arlington, Virginia and grandson, Andrew of Omaha, Nebraska. She is also survived by numerous nieces and nephews whom she loved dearly.
Ann had great affinity for the Traverse City farmers market and the longstanding friendships she made attending the market. Through the spring-fall seasons, she would be hard-pressed to miss a single market, buying fresh produce and talking with friends she had made over the many years. Ann's daughter and grandchildren affectionately keep that tradition every time they're in Traverse! Ann was also an avid gardener and had people often stopping to admire her beautiful gardens. Her baking skill was unmatchable and you could always count on many sweet treats during the holidays…especially her cookies and pies!
Ann loved family more than anything and her grandchildren were the apple of her eye. She attended many concerts, sporting events, dance recitals and graduations, and was so proud of their accomplishments. She was so proud of the young adults that they have become.
A memorial service will take place on December 20 at 11:00am at the Reynolds Jonkhoff Funeral Home, with visitation one-hour prior. Ann's final resting place will be Sunset Hill Cemetery in East Jordan with her husband.
A continuation of the celebration for Ann's life will take place in the spring of 2020 by the family. Notifications will be made in early spring.
In lieu of flowers contributions in Ann's memory can be made to the Father Fred Foundation, P. O. Box 2260, Traverse City, MI 49685 or online at www.fatherfred.org or to Heartland Hospice of Kalamazoo, 8075 Creekside Drive #120, Portage, MI 49024-5390 or online at www.heartlandhospicefund.org .
Kindly share a memory with the family at www.reynolds-jonkhoff.com