Ann Simmers

Ann Simmers was an unconditionally loving and dedicated mother, who always gave selflessly to enrich the lives of those around her. Devoted to both family and faith, she spent her life working tirelessly both inside and outside the home, but was always able to enjoy the simple beauties in life.

The 1950s marked a quieter, more stable time in American history. It was a good time to grow up in America, and because of the Baby Boom, the neighborhoods and schools were bursting at the seams with children. Among those was Ann L. Simmers. Born in Kalamazoo, Michigan on November 26, 1954, Ann was the second youngest of Harold and Lenora (VanDenBos) White’s four children. Along with her siblings, Ann grew up in a loving, Christian home in Kalamazoo, where her father earned a living working at a lumber company. The family was members of Bethany Reformed Church, and Sundays were strictly observed in the White household. This strong Christian upbringing would always be an important part of Ann’s life.

When Ann was in her early 20s, she was working as a waitress at the Whistle Stop restaurant in Kalamazoo. Also working there as a host was a handsome young man named Vern E. Simmers, who was fresh out of the military and a student at Western Michigan University. Vern and Ann fell hopelessly in love and were married in 1978 at her church in Kalamazoo by Rev. Mark Kraai. Shortly after saying, “I do”, Vern took at job with Hayworth Industries in Holland, which meant a move for the newlyweds. Less than a year later, he went to work for Ed Prince at Prince Corporation. Once settled, Ann found a new church to attend, and became a longtime member of Fellowship Church of Holland.

Over the next few years, Ann and Vern were blessed with two children: Nicholas in 1983 and Lyndsay in 1986. A hard worker and dedicated mother, Ann was an excellent example for her children. She taught them good habits and strong values that would guide them through their lives. Because Vern’s job required him to travel extensively, Ann had the main responsibility of raising the children, as well as keeping their household running smoothly. Once the kids were in school, Ann became an active member of the PTA at Lakewood Elementary School. Like most moms, she loved to have her kids around home, and her door was always open to all their friends too.

Besides being a devoted wife and mother, Ann also worked outside the home for many years at Fricano’s Too Pizza. She started at Fricano’s as a waitress but worked her way up to being Manager, and as such, she planned many special events and parties for customers, a job she truly enjoyed and was good at. Ann also put her terrific coordinating and decorating talents to use planning many weddings for couples. After Fricano’s, Ann continued to work various part-time jobs, usually two or three at a time. Some of her jobs included doing the books for a local dental lab and working at VI Pets, which was right up Ann’s alley because she loved animals. In fact, she and Vern had many dogs that called their house “home” over the years. Their most recent companion was a Chow Chow, which took to watching over Ann. And before they were married, Ann adopted a mixed dog from the Humane Society named Jennifer.

Above all, Ann loved being surrounded by her family, and loved being a wife and mother to the people who brought her life extraordinary joy. It is a gift none of them will ever forget.

Ann L. Simmers, age 53 of Holland, MI, died on Thursday, February 14, 2008, at Holland Community Hospital. She was preceded in death by her mother, Lenora (VanDenBos) White. Her family includes her husband of 30 years, Vern E. Simmers of Holland; son, Nicholas Simmers of Holland; daughter, Lyndsay Simmers of Holland; father, Harold White of Kalamazoo; brothers: Ray (LaVonne) White of St. Louis, MO, Ron (Kathy) White of Kalamazoo, David (Deb) White of Kalamazoo; in-laws: Gary and Janet Simmers of Mount Clemens, MI, Debbie and Ray Boggus of Warren, MI; several nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles, and many cousins.

Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. on Monday, February 18, at Fellowship Reformed Church with Rev. James Baar officiating. Visitation will be from 2-4 p.m. and 7-9 p.m. on Sunday, February 17, at Northwood Chapel, Dykstra Life Story Funeral Home, 295 Douglas Avenue, Holland. Memorial contributions may be made to the American Cancer Society. Please visit Ann’s memory page at www.lifestorynet.com where you may share a memory with her family or sign her online guest book.