Obituary: Nona Joanne Simons, 95, of Ludington

Nona Simons

Nona Joanne Simons, 95, of Ludington, passed away on Sunday, March 3, 2024.

Nona was born on June 7, 1928, in Barryton, the daughter of the late Charles Henry and Mary Edna (Scott) Closson. She was the youngest of 12 children. In 1946, she graduated from Barryton Rural Agriculture High School. On September 30, 1950, she married her beloved William Bardley Simons. Together, they shared 62 years of marriage, until his passing in 2012.

Nona was a proud military spouse, mother, sister, and grandmother. Her husband, William, served from 1950 until 1952. Her oldest son, Terry, served in Vietnam. Her brother and brothers-in-law served during World War II. Her granddaughter Noell, and grandsons, Matthew, and Travis are all veterans. Her great-grandson, Ty, is still actively serving.

She knew the anguish and pride of having family members, like so many others, serve their country. She stood beside them in her own way, holding her family tight during those difficult times.

She was a wonderful cook, and didn’t use recipes, just cooked with what she had available. Her most famous and requested dish at family gatherings was her potato salad and her cabbage casserole. The love of making her fudge and peanut brittle was instilled in her granddaughter, Holly. Her love of taking plain dishes and making them special was passed down to her grandson Eric.

So many of her traits were passed on, her beautiful blue eyes, her smile, her gift to make you feel welcome and loved, so many of these are instilled in her grandchildren, whom she loved dearly.

She was a gifted seamstress, sewing many beautiful items from frilly dresses, doll clothes, even her daughter’s gorgeous wedding gown. She also could knit and crochet the most beautiful baby outfits, blankets, and dollies which family members and friends would receive as gifts, made with love.

Nona is survived by her children, Terry (Charlene) Simons, Dale (Mary Ellen) Simons, Ronald Simons, Tina (Steven) Friese, and William B Simons, Jr.; 15 grandchildren; 15 great -grandchildren; and numerous nieces and nephews.

Nona was preceded in death by her husband, William Simons; sons, Rickey A. Simons and Bruce W. Simons; parents, Charles and Mary Edna Closson; and five brothers, six sisters, and their respective spouses.

Per Nona Joanne’s wishes, a family picnic will be held this summer.

In memory of our mom and grandmother, please plant a beautiful flower in your garden, as she loved her flower garden, and seeing all the beauty it brought to nature.

Arrangements were entrusted to Oak Grove Funeral Home of Ludington, www.OakGroveLudington.com.