Mary Jane Simmons passed away peacefully at home surrounded by family on May 8, 2026, at 12:39 p.m.

Born on May 3, 1930, on the Putnam–Hendricks County line to Frank and Helen (Hurst) Elrod.

Mary Jane graduated from Stilesville High School in 1948. While in high school, she met the love of her life, Bob “Slim” Simmons. They were united in marriage on July 2, 1949, and shared fifty wonderful years together while raising their four sons.

She retired after twenty years in the mailroom at Public Service Indiana, now known as Duke Energy.

Mary Jane enjoyed attending auctions for many years and never missed an episode of Wheel of Fortune or Jeopardy. She was an avid sports fan who especially loved basketball, football, along with golf, tennis, and of course NASCAR. Her family lovingly nicknamed her “The Sports Center” because she always knew what game was on and what was happening in the sports world.

More than anything, Mary Jane loved her family. She is survived by her sons, Bill (Susan) Simmons, David (Linda) Simmons, and Norman (Duane) Simmons. She was a proud grandmother to Amanda (Tony) Myers of Naples, Florida; Bradley (Megan) Simmons of Lizton; Brandy and Brittney Simmons of Crawfordsville; Robert and Tony Ramage; and Christopher and Shenandoah Simmons of Oregon. She is also survived by her daughter-in-law, Shirley Simmons of Oregon; several great-grandchildren; brothers-in-law Wally Simmons and Ora (Sharon) Simmons, both of Columbia City, Indiana; sister-in-law Jane Everly of Columbia City, Indiana; and many beloved nieces and nephews whom she loved dearly.

She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Bob “Slim” Simmons; her son, Tom Simmons; her grandson, Wesley Simmons; her sister, Sally Sunkel; and her brother-in-law, Dick Sunkel.

Visitation will be held from 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. on Wednesday, May 13, 2026, at Hall-Baker Funeral Home in Plainfield, Indiana.

Burial will follow at Stilesville Cemetery in Stilesville, Indiana.

In lieu of flowers:

Rescued Treasures Thrift Store

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Monetary donations can also be sent to the following address: Humane Society of Putnam County PO Box 444 Greencastle, IN 46135