SIMMS, Frances Ruth
Frances Ruth Simms, 86, passed away on January 4, 2021,
following a prolonged battle with Alzheimer's.
She was born in Dayton, Ohio, on March 30, 1934, to Nora Ruth Littler and Alexander Francis Arnold, and was lovingly raised by Nora and her stepfather Burnett Oscar Wagner. She was the eldest of four
children, and quick to share that she helped raise her siblings and fiercely defended them against neighborhood bullies. She is preceded in death by her sister Burnadine Claire Cardwell and survived by her sister
Linda Jean Monroe (husband, Bill) and brother Roger Paul Wagner.
Her spirit is carried on by her three children, Jeffery Allan Masters (wife, Diane), Jeanne Renee Pamer, and Nicolette Ruth Hudson (husband, David), her grandchildren, Todd Allan Masters, Jason Andrew Masters (wife, Lindsey), Joseph Adam Masters (wife, Catherine), Michelle Lee Pamer, Audrey Ruth Hudson and Amelia Ann Hudson, her great-grandchildren, Vivian May Masters and Madeline Reese Masters, as well as nieces, nephews, and other family and friends too numerous to list but not forgotten.
She worked at the Springfield Bank and IH Credit Union for close to two decades, before moving to St. Raphael School and Catholic Central High School as secretary and
bookkeeper. She was proud that she was, in her words, "good with numbers." And, she was just as good at keeping kids in line and loaning lunch money to anyone in need. If you
needed anything, she would give you what she had even if, as her mother would say, "she wouldn't have a pot to piss in."
Fran was a second "mom" to many, generously sharing her unconditional love, helping others believe in themselves, and often knitting someone an afghan. She was a loyal friend, a good listener, forever ornery, and never hesitated to use your middle name or raise a single eyebrow to put you in your place.
While she was not blessed with a long-lasting marriage, that never kept her from viewing love as a worthy risk. She was a role model of resilience and living life to its fullest, preferably on a dance floor and surrounded by family and friends.
She was as sentimental as they come. Between her three children, they likely have half of what was published by the Springfield News-Sun and a historical catalog of Hallmark cards sent to her.
It is said that dementia can distill a person to their core self. If that is true, Fran was at her core a kind soul. Until the end, she was still looking for ways to be helpful, occasionally
confident that those around her had no idea what they were doing and thus needed her help, and always expressing
gratitude and love.
She spoke freely of her love for her family and friends. May those who loved her live so boldly and love so freely in her honor. Visitation will be at Littleton & Rue on Saturday,
January 9, 2021, at 10 a.m., with a service following at 11 a.m. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made in
Fran's honor to the Alzheimer's Association and Kindred
Hospice (Kindred at Home Foundation).
SIMMS, Frances
