Sally Robinson Simmons, age 81, passed away on April 9, 2024.  She arrived in this world on Sept. 21, 1942, as the third child of Jim and Edith Robinson of Newtown, IN.  Together with her older brother Jimmy (Camilla) and sister Judy she attended Richland Twp. School. She was active in the band and choir, supported the basketball team as a cheerleader, participated in a myriad of 4-H projects for ten years and graduated 3^rd in her class.  After graduation she married her high school sweetheart Edgar Lee Simmons.  Together they raised three daughters, Tracy Wetterlin (Jeff), Elizabeth Howard (Newlin), and Nadra Woerner (Tim).  All through life, Sally was quite involved with the activities in which her girls participated (tennis matches, swim meets, sorority events, reading therapy with Beth’s beloved dogs, volunteering at Lafayette Urban Ministries).

Sally’s passion for sharing her family’s interests extended to her grandchildren Lily and Rachel Wetterlin, Ben (Katelyn)Howard and Morgan (Trey)Hodge and Zach and Jaden Woerner.  She loved being active with the kids, doing arts and crafts of all kinds, and traveling with them every chance she got.

While her daughters were preschoolers, Sally attended Purdue University where she earned her master’s degree in education.  She utilized this degree to teach second and third grade in the Lafayette School Corporation for 27 years.  Her caring, dedicated approach to teaching changed the lives of her students.  As a result, she became life-long friends with many of them and their parents.

Following her retirement she became, at various times, the caregiver to both her parents, her daughter Beth, and her husband. Selflessly giving her time, care, and compassion. These four, plus her two siblings preceded her to Heaven.

Outside of the family, Sally considered herself blessed to have known and loved a variety of friends. She was active at the YMCA, an excellent tennis player and was a competitive player until the age of 80. Sally kept a busy social schedule with reoccurring plans with many friends and loved ones. She especially loved meeting her friends for dinner and socializing at The American Legion Post 11 Inc. Whether with family or friends, being active and involved brought joy to her life.  She was never too busy to lend a helping hand or give a kind, encouraging word.

Even though she lived to be 81, she never lost her childlike wonder.  She enjoyed music, ate candy and ice cream, whenever she could, and loved laughter (hers and others). She was fascinated with reading, loved words, and she often invented unique ones of her own, i.e. doogiepoo and zamboodoo (look them up).

Her wish for everyone would be, don’t cry because she’s gone (OK maybe just a little); instead, be happy she was here.  In the end, our life is a story of our adventures, achievements and of the people we loved.  Sally’s story was both admirable and amazing.  A loving family member, a devoted friend, a dedicated community servant, and a role model for the world.

A Celebration of Life service will be held at The American Legion Post 11 in Lafayette, IN on Wednesday 5/22 from 4-7pm.

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