Joyce Simmons

Oct 5, 1947 -

Feb 15, 2020

Joyce Jane Simmons passed away, at the age of 72, on Feb. 15, 2020, at her home near Palmer, Alaska. She was born Joyce Jane Rohr to Nina and Carrol Rohr in Emporia, Kan., on Oct. 5, 1947. She had two brothers: Gene and Joe. They were a farming family of Burlington, Kan. Joyce graduated from Burlington High School and then attended Kansas State University. She married Wayne Simmons, they lived in Bemidji, Minn., where Joyce finished college with a degree in secondary education. In 1972, they moved to Alaska and settled in Eagle River, where they lived for the next 35 years and raised their family: three sons, Shannon, Jim and Jeremiah.

In 2008, they moved to the Palmer area to be near their sons and grandchildren.

Joyce excelled at everything she did: art, craft, culinary, gardening and Alaska recreation. She very much loved being a wife, mother, grandmother and great-grandmother.

She is preceded in death by her father, Carrol J. Rohr; mother, Nina D. Rohr; and brother, Carrol E. Rohr. She is survived by husband of more than 50 years, Wayne; three sons, Shannon (Lonna), Jim (Roxie) and Jeremiah (Heather); brother, Joseph E. Rohr; six grandchildren, Geneva, Michael, Courtaney, Jake, Julia and Gabriel; and great-granddaughter, Danny.

A memorial service will be held at Janssen's Mat-Su Funeral Home, 6901 East Blue Lupine Drive in Palmer, on Saturday, Feb. 22, 2020, at 11 a.m., with a gathering and reception to follow from 12 p.m. - 3 p.m.

In lieu of flowers or contributions please make donations to the American Cancer Society.