Norma Slade Simmons passed away peacefully in her home, surrounded by family, January 1, 2019. She was born on May 1, 1927 in Heber City, Utah to Bill and Chloe Slade. She married Lionel George Simmons on August 27, 1946 in the Salt Lake Temple. He passed away in 2002. She leaves behind her sons, Gary Simmons (NaDene) and Dwayne Simmons (Bonnie); one daughter, Carolyn Whetten; 18 grandchildren; 38 great-grandchildren; and 1 great-great-grandchild.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Lionel; grandsons, Stephen and Blake Simmons, and Jason Whetten; and her brothers, Elbert, Curtis, and Harold Slade.
Norma was known and loved for her service to others. For 30 years she and her husband, Lionel, did foster care for LDS Social Services, caring for babies until they were placed in their adoptive homes.
She will be missed by all who knew and loved her. The family would like to thank her daughter, Carolyn, for the loving care she has given for the past two years. They would also like to thank the caregivers from Sage Hospice.
Funeral services will be held at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 1911 North 24th Street, Mesa, Arizona on Wednesday, January 9, 2019 at 1:00pm. A visitation will be held at Bunker’s Garden Chapel, 33 North Centennial Way, Mesa, Arizona from 6:00 to 8:00pm on Tuesday, January 8, 2019. There will also be a short visitation in the Relief Society Room one hour prior to the funeral service on Wednesday.
Carolyn, I have thought of you often since Bill’s passing. My thoughts and prayers are with you as your mother has continued her progression through eternity. I am so thankful for the eternal nature of the family.
We will miss Grams.
How we loved Norma and our association with her over many years. She is a wonderful person and will certainly be missed.