Barbara A. Simmons, 83, of Franklin, West Virginia died Wednesday, January 25, 2023 at Pendleton Manor in
Franklin.
She was born July 29, 1939 in the Dahmer community near Franklin, and was the daughter of the late Emery
Clinton Rexrode and Mary Susan “Sudie” Propst Rexrode.
Barbara was a 1957 graduate of Franklin High School. During the forty years that she worked as a bank teller at
Pendleton County Bank, she made many friends. Both her co-workers and the bank customers spoke highly of
Barbara, and enjoyed not only her dedicated work ethic and efficiency in helping with banking needs, but also her
welcoming smile, pleasantness, and laughter. She was a member of Mt. Zion Lutheran Church. After the Mt. Zion
church closed, she served on the annual homecoming planning committee, and as treasurer of the Church
Preservation Association. She became a member of St. John Lutheran Church, where she attended regularly, was
Sunday School Treasurer, helped with Vacation Bible School and served the church in a number of other capacities.
Barbara enjoyed spending time cooking and baking in her kitchen, and she loved sharing the food she prepared
with her family and friends. No visitor to her home ever left hungry. Taking care of her flowers was also a favorite
hobby. She always showed her support to local community organizations by attending gatherings such as lawn
parties, benefit dinners, music shows and other fundraising events.
On September 21, 1957, she married Claude M. Simmons, who preceded her in death on November 5, 2015.
Barbara was the last surviving member of her immediate family. Surviving are -
One daughter –
Terry Simmons and her fiance, Maurice Davenport of Harrisonburg, VA
Two sons –
Kent Simmons and his wife, Jennifer of Franklin
Brad Simmons of Elkins, WV
Five grandchildren –
Brittany Gumm, and her husband, Brad
Kelsey Jamison, and her husband, Brian
Vanessa Moats and her husband, Andre
Dustin Simmons
Philip Simmons
Three great-grandchildren –
Liam Gumm
Everly Gumm
Jackson Simmons
One step-great-grandson –
Brayden Friend
A sister-in-law –
Fran Rexrode of Linville, VA
Numerous nieces and nephews
Her caregiver for the past year -
Nancy Pultz of Sugar Grove
And a former PCB co-worker who remained her special friend and constant companion over the years –
Shirley Wimer of Franklin, WV
She was preceded in death by three sisters, Geneva (Day) Dahmer, Mary Catherine Rexrode and Dorothy L. Judy;
two brothers, Philip Edward Rexrode, and Daniel Clinton “Clint” Rexrode; three nephews, Edwin Ray Day, Rod Day
and Don Rexrode; a daughter-in-law, Marsha Simmons, a step-granddaughter, Jennifer Friend; and a brother-in-law,
Omer C. Judy, Jr.
The family will receive friends from 6:00 – 8:00 PM Friday, January 27 at Kimble Funeral Home in Franklin.
A funeral service will be held at 10:00 AM Saturday, January 28 at St. John Lutheran Church with Pastors Jason and
Jess Felici officiating.
Interment will be at Cedar Hill Cemetery at Franklin.
Immediately following the committal service, family and friends will gather for a meal, and a time to share stories
and memories in the downstairs fellowship hall at Faith Lutheran Church in Franklin.
Memorials may be made to St. John Lutheran Church, 26 Black Thorn Road, Sugar Grove, WV 26815 or Pendleton
Manor, P. O. Box 700, Franklin, WV 26807.
Kimble Funeral Home