Brenda Kay went to be with the Lord on Monday, January 14, 2019.
She was born and raised March 10, 1969 in Otsego, the daughter of Richard and Nancy (Ort) Simmons. Her passion was trail riding on her parents’ property and showing Arabian horses. She loved animals, was a waitress and loved being around people. She loved hunting for mushrooms, fishing, gardening and antiquing.
She is survived by her best friend, middle school sweetheart and husband, Jeff Matthews. She is also survived by her parents; best friend and sister, Tammy Simmons; her mother-in-law, Judy Matthews; her brother-in-law, Tom (Jerry) Matthews and by numerous aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces and nephews.
A celebration of Brenda’s life is planned for 5:00 P.M., Saturday, February 2, 2019 at the First Baptist Church of Otsego.
Contributions in memory of Brenda may be made to First Baptist Church of Otsego or to
Warrior Horses for Warrior Kids
for children with pediatric cancer.
Messages of condolence may be posted at
www.WinkelFuneralHome.com
.
Offer Condolence for the family of Brenda K. Matthews
Condolence Messages
Kelley (Lakeman) Dendel
January 15, 2019 at 3:13 pm
Mr Simmons I am so sorry for your loss. My thoughts and prayers are with you!
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LaRayne Sweet
January 15, 2019 at 3:14 pm
I am so sorry to hear of Brendas passing, my prayers are with all of you.
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Neil and Sue Browne
January 15, 2019 at 3:31 pm
There are no words!!! You know how much we care. May God be with you and console you in this your time of grief.
Love you guys,
Neil and sue
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Genni Plyley
January 15, 2019 at 3:44 pm
My heart aches for our loss. You were the best, best friend to grow up with. Thank you for all the memories.
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Linda VanLoo
January 15, 2019 at 4:10 pm
Sending prayers and hugs from Seattle. I am truly sorry for your loss. I work with a friend that takes care of a horse named Charm. My boys got to visit/ride Charm and loved it. I told them of when I was little and was friends with Brenda and got to ride her horses. They said how lucky I was. Yes…I think anyone was lucky to have her as a friend…she was such a beautiful friend with such a giving heart. Heaven has gained a genuine Angel.
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Kim
January 15, 2019 at 4:14 pm
Such a kind and loving soul gone to soon. Brenda was a treasure to all who knew her. I’m so very sorry for your loss. Prayers to all for strength and healing.
Kim Bean
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Carrie Curtiss
January 15, 2019 at 5:04 pm
I am so very sorry to hear of Brenda’s passing. I worked with her at the Lighthouse many years ago. She was always so much fun to be around. Can still hear her funny giggle she had. My thoughts and prayers go out to her family and friends during this time.
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Michelle (Immekus) Kintz
January 15, 2019 at 5:32 pm
Brenda always had such a cheerful disposition and made the world a much brighter place. My heart goes out to all of those touched by the loss of such a wonderful person.
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Ginger Healey-Titus
January 15, 2019 at 5:36 pm
So very sorry to hear about Brenda. Sending hugs and prayers in these difficult days.
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gary burd
January 15, 2019 at 5:40 pm
Dick, Nancy, Jeff, Tammy, and to the entire family…love and prayers to all of you. Brenda was a precious soul. I’m so terribly sorry. My deepest condolences to all of you.
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Stan and Mary Town
January 15, 2019 at 5:42 pm
Our sincerest condolences to the Simmons family and to Jeff and the Matthews family.
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Kristi Cushman
January 15, 2019 at 5:57 pm
So very sorry to hear this. Brenda was such a sweet soul! Prayers for all of you.
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Melissa L Boss
January 15, 2019 at 5:59 pm
So sorry for your loss, she was a beautiful person inside & out.
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Theresa (Pullin) Smith
January 15, 2019 at 5:59 pm
So Sorry to hear the loss of Brenda
May God give you all the Strength during this difficult time!
HUGS and PRAYERS are with you all!!
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Denise Wilson
January 15, 2019 at 6:09 pm
So sorry to hear! My thoughts and prayers goes out to the family!
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Kathy Smith
January 15, 2019 at 6:29 pm
My heart goes out to your whole family. I remember when i would babysit her and her sister. They were very sweet girls. Prayers for all of you.
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Kathy Smith
January 15, 2019 at 6:37 pm
Deeply sorry for your loss. I use to babysit Brenda and Tammy. Both of the girls were so sweet. Prayers for your family to help you through this loss.
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Kathi Fuss
January 15, 2019 at 6:41 pm
Larry and I always loved Brenda. He loved to tease her when she was waitressing. Such a sweetheart. You are in my prayers as are all of you!!
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Wendy Parrish Gauthier
January 15, 2019 at 7:24 pm
I am so sorry to hear this. My thoughts and prayers are with the family.
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John & Diane Glessner
January 15, 2019 at 7:26 pm
Dear Simmons’s Family,
We are so sad to hear about Brenda’s passing. She was such a sweet soul and wonderful waitress. Our hearts hurt for you and we are sending prayers from Florida. We will be asking God to sustain you in the days ahead. With love, John & Diane
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Melissa Wason Chavez
January 15, 2019 at 7:51 pm
I am so sorry to hear of Brenda’s passing. We had a lot of classes together in high school and she was the absolute sweetest person that I have met. I am sorry to say we lost touch over the years but I always thought of her. She had an amazing infectious laugh. She and Jeff were an adorable couple. My sincerest heartfelt sympathies to the Simmons family and Jeff.
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Todd Petersen
January 15, 2019 at 7:54 pm
Dear Mr. Simmons and family.
I am so very sorry to hear of Brenda’s passing. She was such a sweet, kind person and will be remembered by all who met her. I am thinking of you all during this trying time.
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Tina Friel
January 15, 2019 at 7:59 pm
Mr Simmons I am so very sorry in hearing the loss of your daughter. I did not know her but if she was anything like you, this town lost a great lady. Praying for your family through this difficult time.
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Marcy (Ball) Locatis
January 15, 2019 at 7:59 pm
Mr. Simmons, I am so sorry for your loss. My thoughts and prayers are going out to you and the family.
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Laura Loviska Rounds
January 15, 2019 at 8:05 pm
I am so sorry for your families loss, Brenda was always such a sweet person when I ran I to her, she will be missed.
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Barbara Gulbranson
January 15, 2019 at 8:07 pm
Mr. & Mrs. Simmons – I am so sorry to read about the loss of your Brenda. I remember her in school as such a sweet and beautiful girl. From her picture I can see she still was. I will keep you both, Tammy, her husband and the rest of her family in my prayers.
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Janelle Turner Oberhill
January 15, 2019 at 8:30 pm
I’m so sorry to hear of Brenda’s passing. I knew her since she was in middle school. Such a sweet person. I have no words except my prayers are with your entire family. Janelle
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John and Ellen Zack
January 15, 2019 at 8:51 pm
We were saddened to hear of Brenda’s passing. Our hearts and prayers go out to the entire family. May God bless you and hold you close in the days ahead.
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Angela Pfau Weststrate
January 15, 2019 at 8:58 pm
My deepest condolences go out to the Simmons and Matthews Families. Brenda’s friendship with anyone who knew her were always – True, Bright and Uplifting! I’ll Cherish that about her Forever
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Sondra (Magierka) Dalton
January 15, 2019 at 9:01 pm
So sorry for Your loss prayers to the entire family.
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Lori Hare Pickett
January 15, 2019 at 9:05 pm
I am so very sorry Jeff to hear of Brenda’s passing. My deepest thoughts and prayers go out to you, your family and friends during this time. Prayers!!
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Karen Panse McNees
January 15, 2019 at 9:14 pm
Dick and Nancy, Jeff and sweet sister Tammy, we are so sorry for your loss! Growing up as church family, there are so many memories of bubbly Brenda! Hugs and prayers for you all!
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Bob and Roberta Miles
January 15, 2019 at 9:14 pm
Dick – Nancy our thoughts are with you following the passing of Brenda. We are unable to attend the celebration of Brenda’s life, but will be with you in spirit.
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Kim LaDuke Sparks
January 15, 2019 at 9:26 pm
Had been praying for Brenda and now those prayers will be directed to the grieving family. Peace be with you all in the troubling time of loss.
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Amy Campbell
January 15, 2019 at 9:28 pm
My deepest condolences prayers for your family.
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Lisa and Larry
January 15, 2019 at 9:32 pm
I am so sorry for your loss! You and your family are in our thoughts and prayers!
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Cathy Economy
January 15, 2019 at 9:51 pm
We are so sorry for your loss. She was such a sweet and talented person. Sending prayers to all. God Bless you.
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Buffy Welch
January 15, 2019 at 10:06 pm
I’m so sorry for your loss. Bren was always such a sweet soul. She had a knack for lighting up a room whenever she walked in. Her smile contagious.
The world is a better place for having Brenda in it . And heaven gained an awesome angel when God called her home
Dick, Nancy, Tammy and Jeff, my heart is broken for each of you, but know Brenda is in a beautiful place & no longer in pain.
I pray you find comfort and strengh in holding her memories close .
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Ken & Becky (Radke) Rose
January 15, 2019 at 10:18 pm
So sorry to hear of Brendas passing. What a sweet friendly person.
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Patricia Wilcox
January 15, 2019 at 10:22 pm
Dear Nancy and Dick and family,
I am so very sorry to hear of the loss of your daughter Brenda. May God send you His unending love, along with His peace comfort and understanding in this difficult time. Sending prayers for all of you.
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June. Haddix
January 15, 2019 at 11:29 pm
Jeff, So Sorry to here of Brenda ‘s passing.My thoughts and prayers are with you. June Haddix
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Craig & Lorna Sisson
January 15, 2019 at 11:44 pm
Dear Dick, Nancy and all of Brenda’s loved ones. We are so very sorry for your loss. What a terribly difficult time for all of you. May God give you His comfort thru the wonderful memories you shared. You are in our hearts thoughts and prayers.
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Lisa Myers
January 16, 2019 at 3:23 am
Tammy and Family, Tammy, this is Lisa from the Water Street antique mall in Allegan. I just ran across Brenda’s passing, please accept my heartfelt sympathy. I can still see her in the antique store giggling and laughing and wearing her blue jean cutoff shorts and wedge sandals . The Lord says His grace is sufficient, lean on Him while you grieve. Celebrate each day with her smile and energy as you treasure her in your heart. Keeping you and your family in thought and prayer, God Bless.
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Julie Guthrie
January 16, 2019 at 6:49 am
Brenda was an amazing person! I shared many laughs with her when we were younger. I am blessed to have known her. Prayers for peace and healing for the family! Julie Jordan Guthrie
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Tracie Parrish
January 16, 2019 at 7:18 am
I’m so very sorry for your loss of your loved one, keeping you all close to my heart during this difficult time, Brenda was a very beautiful person inside and out .
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bryan winn
January 16, 2019 at 9:17 am
The Simmons and Mathews families have touched so many lives in this community. That is evident by the many posts.. Your families have always been more than just an Awana leader or a teacher in high school, then on to be customers as we built, you all are great people, you are great friends. I am sorry that we have lost one of the best.
Our thoughts and prayers are with you
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DeAnna (Walker) Janssen
January 16, 2019 at 11:14 am
I’m so sad to hear about your loss. Although I haven’t kept in touch with Brenda since high school, my memory of her remains clear…a lovely girl, a sweet personality, and a kind person to all.
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Kelly and Joe Bohl
January 16, 2019 at 11:38 am
Jeff and Mr. Simmons and all of your loved ones – We are so sorry and sad to hear about Brenda. She was so kind, energetic and funny. She will be remembered fondly.
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Vickie Zerbe
January 16, 2019 at 12:54 pm
Brenda was the sweetest person to be around. Her laugh and smile was infectious. She will be dearly missed.
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Becky Stice
January 16, 2019 at 2:00 pm
Hugs and Prayers to all Brenda’s family. She was truly a beautiful person.
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Doug & Judith Ketchum
January 16, 2019 at 2:06 pm
Our hearts are aching. Words are inadequate…. only tears.
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Candy Howard Gillman
January 16, 2019 at 2:25 pm
I am so very sorry for your loss. Brenda was always such a sweet person. I still remember her amazing smile. Hugs and prayers to the family. My she rest in peace. She was a beautiful person.
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Lauri Seibert-Krueger
January 16, 2019 at 2:44 pm
So much fun and so many memories from working with Brenda for years, singing at her and Jeff’s wedding, house sitting for them during their honey moon and afternoon “Tea” with her and the Lighthouse ladies. There is a very special spot in our lives that Brenda touched. She was a beautiful soul and will be missed by so many. Mr and Mrs. Simmons, I am so sorry for your loss. Tammy… I know how close you and she were. Jeff… my heart is breaking for the loss of your soulmate. Love and light to you all. XO
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Mike and Agnes Vanarsdal
January 16, 2019 at 2:51 pm
Jeff, Tammy and Mr. and Mrs. Simmons—-
Mike and my deepest sympathy to each of you.
Brenda was one in a million- she was sunshine on a rainy day.
She was beautiful inside and out.
I have been blessed to have known her.
May God’s Almighty Grace be with each of you, during the difficult days to come.
In Christ love- Agnes Schmitt Vanarsdal
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Brian Shaw
January 16, 2019 at 3:31 pm
Jeff, Aunt Judy, Simmons family, so sorry for your loss. if you need anything shout out! MUCH LOVE!!!
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Bruce and Carol Panse
January 16, 2019 at 7:26 pm
From our entire Panse family to the entire Simmons’ family, we love you dearly and send our deepest sympathy to you.
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Tammy Doubblestien Ginebaugh
January 16, 2019 at 7:38 pm
All of you are in my thoughts & prayers… I’m so sorry for you’re loss.
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Trish (Fergusson) Hipp
January 16, 2019 at 7:40 pm
Brenda was a very special person that touched so many people’s lives. I will cherish our childhood memories forever. My thoughts and prayers go out to all her loved ones.
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Charlie Kling
January 16, 2019 at 9:20 pm
To Brenda’s family,
I was saddened to hear of her passing today and wanted to express my deepest sympathy for your loss.
I, also, remember Brenda’s great personality from our school years and after. I feel blessed to have known her.
May the Lord bear you up with your faith and memories of Brenda.
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The Digby/Allen/ Cottle Family
January 16, 2019 at 9:35 pm
Our Hearts are just Broken for your Loss. Brenda was such a Shining Star. We send our Love And Prayers to you all.
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Tim Karmon, Trish Franklin
January 16, 2019 at 9:54 pm
Dick ,Nancy,Tammy , Mickey, and especially Jeff, our thoughts and prayers are with you during this sad time.
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MaryAnne Vandal
January 17, 2019 at 12:16 pm
Our deepest and sincere condolences to the Simmons and Matthew families.
Our hearts are broken for you.
I can’t imagine- loosing one of your children. Our hearts are mourning for you. Our prayers and thoughts and blessings are upon you. We will be at the Memorial service in spirit from Florida. With Love.
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lucrecie mcfalda
January 17, 2019 at 2:23 pm
Dick,Nancy,Jeff,Tammy,and family,love you in the lord,my thought,s and prayer,s are with you thinking about Brenda meeting our Lord JESUS CHRIST FACE TO FACE,PRAISE GOD A MEN,
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harold immekus
January 17, 2019 at 3:35 pm
Brenda and Jeff were a match made in heaven . She will be missed by all of those whose lives she touched. She surely was angel in her own right.
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MaryAnn & Phil Stratton
January 17, 2019 at 4:02 pm
Our dearest condolences and prayers for God’s grace and love to comfort you all as none other can. My dear Dick and Nancy, from all of these comments, it’s perfectly clear to see what a wonderful young lady, best friend/sister Brenda must have been. It grieves me not to have known her except through your testimony’s about her. Continue to keep Brenda’s memory alive as a praise to God’s love and compassion for us all. John 3:16 For God so loved the world He gave His only begotten Son, so all who believe on Him would not parish but have eternal life.
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Pam Fuller
January 17, 2019 at 5:01 pm
Dick and Nancy so sorry for your loss. My prayers are with you.
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Wanda (Fisher) Valler
January 17, 2019 at 5:15 pm
Dick and Nancy, so sorry for your loss. Sending prayers your way.
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Wanda (Fisher) Valler
January 17, 2019 at 5:23 pm
Dick and Nancy, sorry for your loss. prayers headed your way.
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Rick & Mary Howrigon
January 17, 2019 at 8:05 pm
So sorry to hear of the passing of your daughter, may your faith give you strength at this difficult time.
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Robert Cinabro
January 18, 2019 at 6:32 am
Brenda was such a wonderful person who took such good care of us every morning at Anna’s…May God bless her family… heaven has a special place for her….prayers and hugs…Bob and Natalie
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Jim Hill
January 18, 2019 at 9:54 am
Dick, Nancy, and Family, I am so sorry for your loss, my thoughts are prayers are with you.
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Marleen VanLent
January 18, 2019 at 1:49 pm
She’s in the sun, the wind, the rain,
she’s in the air you breathe
with every breath you take.
She sings a song of hope and cheer,
there’s no more pain, no more fear.
You’ll see her in the clouds above,
hear her whisper words of love,
you’ll be together before long,
until then listen for her song.
May the Lord’s strength, comfort, and love surround you during this difficult time. My heartfelt thoughts and prayers are with the family.
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Autumn
January 18, 2019 at 4:27 pm
Dick, Nancy, Tammy….
I am so sorry for your loss. Brenda was such a beautiful warm person to be around and I miss her greatly. We are sending our regards and many many prayers. We love you all and if there is anything you need please don’t hesitate to contact me.
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Patricia Warner
January 18, 2019 at 9:20 pm
Dear Dick, Nancy, and Tammy, LG and I are so very sorry for your loss of Brenda. Please accept our sincere condolences. You are in our thoughts and prayers
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Jim & Chris McNutt
January 19, 2019 at 4:18 pm
So sorry for the loss of your daughter. You’re in our thoughts and prayers.
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Dawn Ueck (Wolf)
January 20, 2019 at 12:43 pm
My prayers and thoughts are with you all. Sorry for your loss. God be with you.
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Doug and Judy (Foster) Scheppelman
January 21, 2019 at 9:07 am
Mr. Simmons and family,
We are sorry to hear of the loss of your daughter. Praying God will wrap His loving arms around you and be close to you.
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Deb (Jones) Crysler
January 22, 2019 at 2:32 pm
Mr. Simmons and Family,
I am sorry about the loss of Brenda. She was such a kind and caring soul and will be missed.
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Tammy DeRyke (fergusson)
January 24, 2019 at 11:05 pm
To the best neighborhood (youngest) friend I had love yah! Will always think about you, and your best friend and your sis! I know there is a special place in HEAVEN just for YOU.
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Gary & Barb Rhoades
January 26, 2019 at 4:08 pm
Dear Dick, Nancy, Tammy, and Jeff,
Our hearts are grieving over the passing of Brenda. Your family is so special to us, after spending so many years together, doing school and equestrian activities. Because of their joint love of horses, Tammy and Brenda have been like sisters to our daughter, Lori. You are continually in our thoughts and prayers. May fond memories of Brenda comfort you.
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Matt and Becky Hartman
January 27, 2019 at 3:29 pm
Mr and Mrs. Simmons, Tammy and Jeff, We are so sorry for your loss. Please know your family is in our thoughts and prayers
Matt and Becky Hartman
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Melissa Clark
January 31, 2019 at 8:37 pm
Mr. Simmons, I am so sorry to hear of brenda’s passing. Our prayers are with you. We have lost a great person, she made this world a better place.
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