Rita F Simmons

Rita F. Simmons, 59, Fulton, went to be with the Lord on Saturday, June 22, 2013, after a brief battle with pancreatic cancer. She was born March 20, 1954, in Jefferson City, the daughter of Mary R. (Potts) Zolin and the late Leroy Halsey. On September 29, 1995, Rita was united in marriage to William H. Simmons Jr., who survives her passing at the home. Rita loved Elvis. Everyone that knew Rita could see the beauty and the glow that surrounded her in every instance. She could smile and the whole world would smile. Rita was a wonderful daughter, a very kind sister, a caring and patient momma, and a devoted wife. She leaves a piece of her with all of her children that sets each of them apart but also brings them all together and makes them whole. In addition to her mother and proud and supportive husband of 18 years, Rita will be sadly missed and lovingly remembered by five children, James Kielma Jr. and wife, Brandi, of Hot Springs, Ark., Dawn Pearson and husband, Clinton, of Montgomery, Ill., Tammy Gwinn and husband, Roger, of Mount Ida, Ark., Danielle Simmons of Auxvasse, and Emily Simmons of Mexico; five brothers, Leroy Halsey of Warrenton, Leslie "Buck" Halsey and wife, Diane, of Arizona, Roy Lee Halsey and wife, Mary Lou, of Fulton, John Zolinski and wife, Sarah, of Fulton, and Albert Zolin and wife, Sandy, of Fulton; and four grandchildren, Hannah Paige Pearson of Malvern, Ark., Jackson Pearson of Montgomery, Ill., Anthony Smith of Mexico, and Isabell Smith of Mexico; 10 nieces and nephews; and last but not least, her beloved red Pomeranian Princess Kiki. In addition to her father, Rita was preceded in death by stepmother Beverly Halsey and stepfather John Zolin. It was Rita's wishes to be cremated. A memorial dinner will be held on Saturday, June 29, 2013, at 4:00 p.m. at the Dusty Attic in Auxvasse. Online condolences may be shared at www.MaupinFuneralHome.com.