Judy Marlene Simmons

Judy Marlene Simmons (Kossina) Born 1953 in Belleville, IL, the second child to Lawrence & Bernice Kossina. She grew up in Millstadt, IL with her older brother Jay, and welcomed a baby sister, June. After graduating Belleville West High School, class of 1971, she headed to the University of Illinois in Champaign to study Education and Journalism. She joined the U.S.O. and worked at Chanute AFB near Rantoul, IL where she met Senior Airman Dan Simmons when he asked for change for a dollar. Judy only gave him 75 cents back and so began a great love affair as he spent the next 43 years trying to get his last quarter back. Though their wedding was 7/5/75, they were officially married on Halloween in 1974. Life with the Air Force took them to Cheyenne, WY where they began their married life together. In 1978, they welcomed their first born, Joshua Daniel. Not long after, job opportunities brought them to Denver, CO where Judy began working for Mountain Bell. She continued working there through the company's many name changes (US West, Qwest, Century Link) and three more children, Charles Christopher in 1982, Katherine Ann in 1989, and Michael Lawrence in 1991, she worked there until her cancer diagnosis in early June 2016. Shortly after Charlie was born, they relocated to Littleton, CO where Judy took her young family to Columbine United Church where she was dedicated to her faith and volunteering. Judy's heart was for service, and she spent her time volunteering for school trips, classroom help, children's choir, chancel choir, Vacation Bible School, SHARE Colorado, etc. Judy saw her children and husband through all the ups and downs of life: school, Scouts, sports, travel, grandkids, and weddings. She was always willing to give her time and talents to important things & she instilled this in her children as well. Throughout the past year battling cancer, there were several times that it seemed the cancer might win, but she continued to persevere and fight back. She passed away comfortably at home, surrounded by loved ones on Wednesday, June 21, 2017 just before 9pm. She was an incredibly strong woman and she will be deeply missed. A Visitation will be held on Wednesday, June 28, 2017 from Six O'Clock until Eight O'Clock in the Evening at Horan & McConaty, 3101 South Wadsworth Boulevard, Lakewood, Colorado. A Funeral Service will be held on Thursday, June 29, 2017 at Ten O'Clock in the Morning at Columbine United Church, 6375 South Platte Canyon Drive, Littleton, Colorado. Interment will be held on Thursday, June 29, 2017 at Twelve-thirty in the Afternoon at Fort Logan National Cemetery, Pavilion B, 3698 South Sheridan Boulevard, Denver, Colorado. Donations in memory of Judy can be made to: -Columbine United Church -Rocky Mountain Cancer Center -USO -Denver Dumb Friends League Please share your memories of Judy and condolences for the family by signing the guestbook below.