Betty Jean Simmons

Betty Jean Simmons, 85, of Clay City, IL went to her forever home Tuesday, January 27, 2026, at Deaconess Gateway Hospital in Newburgh, IN surrounded by family.

She was born on May 29, 1940, to Herman E. Sullens and Evelyn (Bricker) Sullens in Clay City, IL.

She married Ira Lee Simmons on August 31, 1957, in Henderson, KY. He preceded her in death October 19, 2013.

Betty was a devoted babysitter for over 50 years. She had an innumerable amount of children go through her home over the years that she cared for as her own. She enjoyed gardening, canning, & was an avid reader, easily reading a book a day.

She was a Sunday school teacher for many years and a founding member of Clay City Community Southern Baptist Church. Above all, she was a family woman who loved Jesus & whose love shaped generations. Family was the center of her life. Her home was a place of comfort, where people felt welcomed and cared for. Over the last three years her two great-grandsons were the joys of her life, she was deeply looking forward to meeting her next two great-grandchildren this year.

Betty is survived by her children; Donna (Mark) Griffith, of Greenview, IL, Wendell (Beverly) Simmons, Clay City, IL, Diane (Randall) Gill, of Clay City, IL. Step-children; Curt Simmons, of Albion, IL, & Nancy (Norman) Puckett, of Carmi, IL. Grandchildren; Kaylee (Nathaniel) Burgess, Baylee (Mitch) Noll & Logan Stanley. Great-grandchildren; Royce Burgess, Calvin Noll, & two on the way.

She was preceded in death by her husband: Ira Simmons; her parents: Herman & Evelyn Sullens; brother John Sullens. Step daughter in-law; Julia Simmons.

Visitation will be held Monday, February 2, 2026, from 10:30 am -12:00 pm at Hosselton-Meridith Funeral Home in Cisne, IL. Funeral services will be held immediately following visitation.

A private burial will take place later at the Clay City Cemetery, Clay City, IL.

Memorials may be made to Community Southern Baptist Church and will be accepted at the funeral home.

Hosselton-Meridith Funeral Home, Cisne, IL.