Helen Venita (Jager) Simmons

Helen Venita (Jager) Simmons, 88 passed away at home Saturday, April 13th, 2024, surrounded by her loving children.

Helen was born in St. Marys, KS on November 28th, 1935, the youngest of nine children to Adam H. Jager and Helen Venita (Applegate) Jager. She moved to Topeka, KS when she was six years old. Helen graduated from Topeka High School in 1952. She met her husband Willis Simmons on a blind date after Willie returned home from service in the Korean War. They were married April 21st, 1956. Helen was a devoted mother to her 5 children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. She and her husband Willie were avid square dancers with Top-Kan Twirlers. Helen never forgot a birthday. She filled in the dates on her calendars every year. She stepped in to care for her family and friends whenever they needed help. She was known for making numerous pies for church events and family gatherings and she proudly sang in the church choir.

Helen is survived by her children David (Tamy) Simmons, Alan (Kathy) Simmons, Karen (Allen) Stieg, William (Kristy) Simmons, and Kenneth (Jolene) Simmons; grandchildren Piper (Aaron) Hower, Hunter (Cayla) Simmons, Amy (David) Powers, Nathan Simmons, Nicole and Lexi Simmons, and Christopher Simmons; ten great grandchildren; siblings, Ruth Hochard, John (Jack) Jager, and Kathrine Ullman. She was preceded in death by her loving husband, Willis, parents, and brothers Arthur, Frank (Freda), Norman (Bert), Roy (Dot), and Bob (Barbara).

Memorial Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10:00 AM, Thursday, May 2nd, 2024, at Sacred Heart Catholic Church, 312 NE Freeman Avenue, Topeka, KS 66616. A luncheon will follow. Private family inurnment will be at Olive Hill Cemetery, Soldier, Jackson County, KS.