Patsy Jean Boss Simonds

Patsy Jean Boss Simonds, of O’Fallon, Missouri, passed away on June 10, 2025 at The Landing of O’Fallon senior living facility at the age of 91. Her long battle with Alzheimer’s is over and she is in the glorious presence of Jesus. Born on February 7, 1934, in her family home near Lowell, Arkansas. She was a cherished daughter of James Crawford Boss and Mary Yvonne Burkhart Boss.

Pat was preceded in death by her beloved husband of more than 50 years, Laurence Simonds, and her sister, Betty Fleener. She is survived by her children, Larry (Robin) Simonds Jr. of Ellisville, Missouri, and Anne (Richard) Blanton of Shelbyville, Tennessee; her sister, Mary Jacqueline (Jim) Wallace of Little Rock, Arkansas; six grandchildren: Erin (Mark) Simonds Hilton of Liberty, Missouri, Katie (Dan) Simonds Hill of Eureka, Missouri, Alyssa (Josh) Simonds Ewing of Castle Rock, Colorado, Zachary (Bethany) Simonds of Matthews, North Carolina, Rick (Sarah) Blanton of Spring Hill, Tennessee, and Wes Blanton of Shelbyville, Tennessee; and sixteen great-grandchildren.

Raised on a farm, baptized in a creek, and attending a one-room schoolhouse, Pat dreamed of moving to the city. Pat was a remarkable student. At 16, she graduated from Springdale Arkansas High School and would have been salutatorian if she had attended for more than two years. Soon after she moved into town to live in a boarding house while working as a bookkeeper and teller at First State Bank. At 18, she married and became a loving mother of two, supporting her family while her husband completed his college degree. Finally in 1960, “the city girl raised in the country” achieved her dream, moving to St. Louis where she lived most the rest of her life.

Pat’s faith was a cornerstone of her life. As a devoted member of several Baptist churches, most recently First Baptist Church of O’Fallon and previously the First Baptist Church of Ellisville, she poured her heart into serving her church family. She taught Women’s and Children’s Sunday School, worked as a church librarian, participated in the Women’s Missionary Union, and shared her love of books through organized book clubs.

Her service extended beyond the church walls. For over 40 years, Pat diligently volunteered at Missouri Baptist Hospital and Progress West Hospital. She contributed her time working in the gift shop at Missouri Baptist. Then, as a breast cancer survivor, she loved supporting women undergoing mammography at Progress West. Pat's compassion and care served as an inspiration to all who knew her.

Pat’s acts of service and devotion to others are cherished by her family, but they will also remember the simple, heartfelt moments of her life. She was an intentional and loving mother who wove connection and care into the fabric of everyday tasks. Washing dishes became a time to ask meaningful questions, build relationships, and teach life lessons. Pat nurtured her children’s talents and passions, from helping with small projects like Raggedy Ann dolls to imparting financial wisdom.

Her gift for connection extended to everyone she met. Pat was known for her warm conversations and her ability to make people feel at ease—whether in hospital waiting rooms, church lobbies, or airport terminals. Even as dementia took its toll, she often greeted people with a smile and a hand pat. She was unbeatable at Scrabble, a voracious reader, and a source of joy and encouragement to everyone around her.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests memorial contributions be made to the Alzheimer’s Association or the American Cancer Society, honoring Pat’s enduring legacy of compassion and support.