Helena Simmons

ongtime Durango resident Helena Simmons died Sunday, October 12, 2014, at the Cottonwood Inn Care Facility in Durango. She was 92.
Helena May Hogler was born Nov. 2, 1921, to Louis and Rose Hogler in Durango. She graduated from Durango High School in 1940. In 1941, she began work with Mountain Bell Telephone Co., and she was employed there until her retirement in 1981, after 40 years of service.
In 1943, she married John L. Simmons, in Gallup, New Mexico, where he was employed at the La Plata Electric Association for many years. She was active in the community and served in the Mercy Medical Center Auxiliary beginning in 1973. She was a member of the Altar and Rosary Society and a dedicated member of St. Columba’s Catholic Church in Durango.
During their retirement, the Simmons traveled extensively throughout the Southwest, and they enjoyed fishing and camping at various locations, according to the family.
They celebrated their 65th wedding anniversary in 2008, and after her husband’s death in 2009, she continued to live in their home until earlier this year.
According to family, she lived with a sure and certain faith that she would be reunited with her family in the hereafter.
She was preceded in death by her husband, John Simmons.
Mrs. Simmons is survived by two nephews, one niece and one great-niece.
Mrs. and Mr. Simmons’ remains will be interred in Greenmount Cemetery. A graveside service is planned for Thursday October 23, 2014 at 1:30p.m. for both Helena and John Simmons.