Patricia "Pat" Elizabeth Simmons

Patricia Elizabeth “Pat” Simmons, 87, of Cle Elum, Washington, passed away peacefully at home on May 18, 2023 surrounded by her loving husband, DeVere, and her devoted daughters.

Pat was born on March 13, 1936 to Sara A. and J.J. Rozsonits on a homestead near Bismarck, North Dakota. She moved to Washington in her teens but remained a proud North Dakota girl.  She was married to the love of her life, DeVere F. Simmons, Jr., (Washington Army National Guard [Retired] and owner of Simmons Bloomin’ Good Honey) for almost 70 years. She graduated from Puyallup High School and earned her associates degree at Green River Community College.

Pat and DeVere moved to Maple Valley in the late 1950’s and raised their three daughters - Carole, Nancy Jo, and Brenda – there. Pat worked in the Maple Valley Library for almost 30 years, starting as a page and becoming the Assistant Librarian and then Head Librarian for the (then new) Library near Wilderness Village.  Pat is fondly remembered in Maple Valley as having a very significant, positive impact on the community, especially in creating family story hours and youth reading programs, mentoring pages, and developing technologically advanced research opportunities. The library became a treasured community asset and enriched the lives of many due in large part to her leadership and caring communications with the public.

Pat and DeVere retired to Cle Elum and built an even more beautiful life and home together over the past 25-plus years.  Local residents, especially gardeners, remember her well.  She and Nancy Jo were enthusiastic, vivacious vendors at the Roslyn market.  Pat was an expert seamstress, best cook ever, loyal friend to many, loved reading, and was an accomplished Master Gardener. But the roles she treasured most were as the infinitely generous, devoted, and loving wife, mother, mother-in-law (to Tim, Michael, and David), and grandmother, unconditionally loving and encouraging each individual family member.

Pat and DeVere are blessed with and very proud of their 8 grandchildren (Aaron, Adam, Allen, Sean, Michelle, Brandon, Benjamin, and Tanner) and 10 great-grandchildren (Aidin, Killian, Oliver, Toby, Aaden, Amelia, Archer, Meadow, Bodhi, and Joey Lynn).  Pat is also survived by her brother Larry; stepbrother Kenny; and her brother-in-law, Reverend Robert F. Leonard, USA, Ret.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Johnston & Williams of Cle Elum.