SIMMONS, Elinor Joan "Ellie" age 84 of Hamilton went home to her Lord and Savior Jesus Christ on Sunday, June 30, 2013. She was born in Lindenwald, Ohio on May 26, 1929, the daughter of Elmer H. and Joetta (Miller) Zinsmeister, and was a 1947 graduate of Fairfield High School. Elinor attended three years at Miami University of Oxford. On June 14, 1952, in Zion Lutheran Church, she married Donald E. Simmons, and he preceded her in death on March 3, 1976. Mrs. Simmons worked at Ohio Casualty Group for 34 years. She was a member of Immanuel Lutheran Church of Hamilton, Ladies Aid, Altar Guild, and Christian Service Committee Chair Person for 15 years. Elinor was devoted and loved serving Lord Jesus. She was a devoted wife, mother, sister, grandmother, and servant of Christ.

Survivors include two children, David (Teresa) Simmons of Hamilton, and Jo Ann (Dennis) Forte of Cincinnati; five grandchildren, Michelle (Donald) Smith, Christina Simmons, Ashley (Will) Schroer, Scott and Brian Forte; twelve great-grandchildren, Kayla, Donald, and Angel Smith, Sean Simmons, Liam and Anna Marie Schroer, Carson, Tora, Brian, Lauren, Olivia, and Logan Forte; a brother, Paul (Phyllis) Zinsmeister; many nephews, nieces, and cousins she loved them all and was very happy when families got together for good times and great memories; many life long friends from church, OCRETS, and school.

Besides her husband, Donald, she was also preceded in death by her parents; three brothers, Willard, Robert, and Joel Zinsmeister.

Special thanks to Pastor Judd, he always cheered Elinor up with his singing and messages of hope during her last days.

Elinor's parents influenced her most. They taught her about love of God, and she passed that gift down to her family. She worked hard and was devoted to Church and family. Mrs. Simmons had a great sense of humor and a wonderful gift would be yours if you were her friend. She loved her family and prayed for all of us continually. Elinor was a Godly influence to many, especially her children. She taught beauty comes from the inside first. We will always miss mom very much and look forward to our reunion in paradise.

Funeral Services will be held at 10:00 am Monday in the Immanuel Lutheran Church, 1285 Main St. followed by burial in Rose Hill Burial Park. Visitation will be from 6-8:00pm Sunday in the Zettler Funeral Home, 2646 Pleasant Ave. Online register book is available at www.zettlerfuneralhome.com