Simmonds passes away at age 84
Mary Rebecca Tulloch Simmonds was born August 19, 1917 in Salado, Texas to Rogers Eugene Tulloch and Eva Elizabeth Berry Tulloch, who were children of early Belton and Salado residents. She grew up in Belton, attending schools there until her high school days, when her family moved to Brady and then Sweetwater. Becky graduated from Sweetwater High School in 1935. Her family returned to Belton and it was there she met Tom C. Simmonds of · Temple. Upon their marriage on April 19, 1939, the newlyweds moved to Temple where they permanently resided. In 1941 their son Tom C. Simmonds, Jr. was born. A daughter Rebecca Ann Simmonds was born m 1945.
Simmonds was actively involved in both church and civic organizations throughout her life. As a member of First Presbyterian Church, Becky served as director of the Youth Department for many years and taught juniors and seniors Sunday School classes. For several years, she and her husband enjoyed hosting seniors on a week-long summer trip to their hunting cabin near Normangee. She was an active participant on many committees within the church. Simmonds volunteered numerous hours for the schools, serving each year as a room mother and P.T.A. officer. Becky was equally involved in Scouting for both Boy and Girl Scouts. Some of her passions included gardening, flower arranging, travel, antiques, sewing and entertaining friends and family. She was a member for many years of the City Federation of Women’s Clubs, Temple Garden Club, Cultural Activities Center, Antique Glass Club, Sewing Club, Luncheon Club, Arno Art League and Daughters of the American Revolution. To facilitate her love of travel, Simmonds organized and directed the Temple Road- . runners. This began as a small group of friends taking short trips to visit gardens, interesting places or events within the United States and grew to a membership of over a hundred men and women who traveled throughout the world.
Simmonds passed away on September 8, 2001 at the age of 84. She was preceded in death by her parents, a sister, Evelyn Tulloch Mcinnis, her husband. Tom C. Simmonds and her son, Tom C. Simmonds. Jr. She is survived by her daughter Becky Ann Simmonds Garth and her son-in-law, John C, Garth of Belton; daughter-in-law, Linda Harrison Simmonds of Lampasas, grandson, John Garth, Jr., wife Erin and great-granddaughter Lily of San Diego, CA; grandson, Travis Simmonds Garth of San Antonio; granddaughter Elizabeth Garth Guerin, husband Steve Guerin and great granddaughters, Haley, Caroline and Georgia; granddaughter Jennifer Simmonds Ball and husband Randy Ball of Dallas; grand-daughter Stephanie Simmonds Hays and husband Jet Jays of Wiley; and granddaughter Rebecca (Becca) Simmonds Dishman and husband Dale Dishman and great granddaughter Sydney Dishman of Lampasas.
A private graveside service for the family will held Sept. 12. Burial will be at Hillcrest Cemetery in Temple.
The family wishes to invite all those desiring to celebrate her life to a memorial service 2 p.m. Sept. 12 at First Presbyterian Church of Temple.
The family requests that memorials be made to the First Prebysterian Church, 12 West French Avenue, Temple, Texas 76501, or the charity of your choice. Sheffield Funeral Home of Temple is in charge of arrangements.