Geraldine (Jeri) Elaine Simmons

Geraldine (Jeri) Elaine Simmons October 24, 1938 - December 13, 2024 Geraldine (Jeri) Elaine Simmons October 24, 1938 - December 13, 2024, On December 13, 2024, Geraldine Elaine Simmons of Saint Peters, Missouri, passed at the age of 86 following a lengthy battle with Parkinson’s Disease. Jeri was born on October 24, 1938, in Sioux City, Iowa, to Wilbur and Helen (Gunderson) Rhubottom. Jeri grew up in a boisterous loving family and was the eldest of eight children. She graduated from Bishop Heelan High School in 1956 and worked in a photography shop. She married in 1959 and gave birth to six children from 1960-1970. She felt blessed to be a stay-at-home mom and wife, passing on her legacy of love, her faith, family values, love of reading and the outdoors, and found joy in the simple things. Her devotion to her Catholic faith was lifelong, and she volunteered to manage the catechism programs for K 12 for several years at Sheppard AFB and Chanute AFB. Jeri was member of St. Joachim & Ann Catholic Church in St. Peters, MO. With grace and respect, she prayerfully sought guidance before the ending of her first marriage. Jeri married William Howard Simmons in 1981, and they continued to share their faith and love for the children and their families. She was able to live out her dream to travel while living in Belgium and traveling throughout Europe and the United States. Her devotion to her family and friends was evident as she poured her love to everyone. She found tremendous joy in visiting her children and grandchildren and attending annual themed Rhubottom Reunions where she excitedly planned her costume and participated in the games and dances, creating so many memorable moments for all. In addition to raising her children and cherishing time with family, she had many careers: certified nurse assistant, as a cook she served Air Force airmen in Texas and Illinois, daycare business owner, advertising sales agent for the Thrifty Nickel, and even had performances as “Mrs. Claus” next to her “Santa Claus” until she retired in 2019 at the age of 81. She always said being a mom to six children - her gifts from God - was her most rewarding job. She considered herself blessed for being a part of her family and friends’ lives. Her favorite Bible verse was “Know that I am always with you.” (Mthw 25:20b) Her joy, faith, and unconditional love for all lives on in her children. Jeri will be lovingly remembered by her husband, William Howard Simmons, of 43 years; daughter, Kim Darnold (Jim) of La Luz, NM; sons, Russell (Bridgett) Lofgren and Scott (Rhonda) Lofgren both of Wichita Falls, TX; daughter, Lisa (Gordon) Ricketts of Broken Arrow, OK; and daughter, Amy (Dave) Gerdt of St. Charles, MO; brother, Raymond (Marva) Rhubottom of Oceanside, CA; sister, Theresa McPeek of St. Peters, MO; sister, Mary Alewel of St. Charles, MO, and sister, Julie (Rob) Underwood of Homeland, CA; sister in-law, Donna Rhubottom of Council Bluffs, IA; sixteen grandchildren; fifteen great grandchildren; as well as numerous nieces, nephews, relatives and friends. She was predeceased by her son, Alan Lofgren; her parents, Wilbur and Helen Rhubottom; sisters, Sharon Bruggeman and Coramarie O’Leary; brothers, James Rhubottom, and William George Rhubottom; brothers-in-law, Michael O’Leary and Dewey McPeek; mother-in-law, Ann Bray; father-in-law, Bob Bray. "With much love", the family will celebrate Jeri’s life on December 21, 2024, at Saints Joachim & Ann Catholic Church, 4112 McClay Rd, St. Charles, Missouri with a funeral mass at 9:30 a.m. Family and friends may gather with the family at 9:00 a.m. in the commons area. Following the mass, a luncheon will be held from 11am-1pm at Shamrock Pub-n-Grill 7337 Mexico Rd. St. Peters, MO. 63376. The family wishes to send a special thank you to the staff at the Barnes-Jewish St. Peters Hospital for their care and compassion. Memorial donations may be made to the family or to a charity of your choice in honor of Jeri. Eternal rest grant unto them, Oh Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon them. May the souls of all the faithful departed, through the mercy of God, rest in peace. Amen