Obituary: Shelley Simmons
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July 12, 1957 – July 19, 2023
It is with heavy hearts to announce the passing of Shelley Simmons on July 19, 2023 after a long battle with pancreatic cancer. Shelley is survived by her husband Bill, daughter Emily, son Clark, daughter in law Jennifer, granddaughter Blake and sister Stacey. She was preceded in death by her mother Jayne Eli, father Ernie Eli and brother Ernie.
Born in Granite City, IL, Shelley graduated from Granite City High School. In 1978 she met the love of her life, Bill Simmons. After knowing him for only 2 weeks, he invited her to join in his adventure of moving to Vail. Of course she said yes as she was already in love. Shelley took a job as a lift operator that first winter and learned to ski. They decided to stay for the summer and that was it, Vail was home. Bill and Shelley lived in Vail from 1978 to 1987when they moved into their home in Old Edwards Estates. Shelley loved working in her gardens and wasn’t shy to tell you how fortunate she was to live and raise her children in the Colorado mountains. Shelley played softball for many years traveling our beautiful state.
She worked waiting tables at the Cook Shack at Mid Vail and at Alfie Packers for several years. After having her second child, Shelley decided to be home with her family and provide care for a couple of the neighborhood kids. The plan was to stay home until the kids were in school, but Miss Shelley cared for children for the next 29 years until retiring in 2019. She loved children and cared for hundreds of local kids in the Valley.
The family extends an invitation to celebrate Shelley’s life on September 23 from 1 to 4 pm at the Eagle Vail Pavilion. Remembrance of Shelley will begin at 1:30.
