Loretta Lavley Simmons of St. Ignace Township enjoyed flower gardening, fishing, and spending time with her grandchildren. Mrs. Simmons died at the age of 79 Wednesday, April 13, 2005, at Mackinac Straits Long Term Care Facility in St. Ignace.

She was born in Hubbard Lake, December 21, 1925, to Albert and Loretta (nee Lavley) Grove.

A lifelong resident of St. Ignace Township, she married Orville Simmons January 2, 1945.

She is survived by two daughters and their families, Beverly Jean Simmons of St. Ignace and Lynda and Jim Wachter of Rehoboth Beach, Delaware; one son, Donald Simmons of St. Ignace; five grandchildren, Jamie Wachter, Lori Wachter, Tina Simmons, Donald Simmons, and Orville Simmons; 10 great-grandchildren; a brother and his family, John and Gladys Grove of St. Ignace, and one sister, Edith Emerick of Flint.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Orville in 1999; one brother, Albert Grove Jr.; two half brothers, Albert Gronlund and August Gronlund, and two half sisters, Vivien Jolly and Audrey Quick.

Services were Saturday, April 16, at Reamer Galer Funeral Home in Pickford with the Reverend Wayne Foote officiating.

Burial was at Oaklawn Chapel Gardens in Bruce Township.

Donations in memory of Mrs. Simmons can be made to Mackinac Straits Hospital and Long Term Care Facility, 220 Burdette Street, St. Ignace 49781.