Simoons

Edythe E. “Helen” (Ochsenhirt) Miller Simoons, 92, formerly of Middlesex Township, Valencia, went to her heavenly home Feb. 22 at the age of 92. She had been in failing health for several months and received wonderful care from her family and the staff of Country Meadows of South Hills.

Born in Pittsburgh, Aug. 18, 1918, she spent most of her life in the Pittsburgh area, spending a few years in the 1960s in New Jersey.

She retired from Continental Insurance after working in the New York and Pittsburgh offices.

A past matron of the Order of Eastern Star, Helen received her 50-year pin on Feb. 17 of this year. She was a worthy high priestess of the White Shrine and Queen of Amaranth. She was a longtime volunteer with the Lighthouse Foundation, earning Volunteer of the Year in 1996 and also was a volunteer with the St. Barnabas Nursing Home.

She was a devoted member of the First Presbyterian Church of Bakerstown, where she was a member of the session and various Bible studies. Helen recently attended the Bethany Presbyterian Church in Bridgeville.

She was the daughter of the late L. William and Margaret (Millar) Ochsenhirt; and the beloved wife of Daniel Simoons, who died March 18, 2007. She also was preceded in death by one son, Alexander D. Miller; one grandson, Douglas Cline; three brothers; and two sisters. She was the last member of her immediate family.

She was the loving mother of Laura “Margie” (Joseph) Veranese of Peters Township, Jeanne E. (Robert) Wittmer of California, D. Lee (Sharyn) Miller of New York, Joan (Wayne) Colgan of Pennsylvania, Ellen E. (Daniel) Hazzard of New York, Barbara Marino of New Jersey and Renee (Marinus “Dutch”) Van Der Wal of New Jersey.

In addition, she is survived by 17 grandchildren, 17 great-grandchildren, one great-great-granddaughter, and many nieces and nephews.

<B>SIMOONS </B>— The family of Edythe E. “Helen” (Ochsenhirt) Miller Simoons, who died Tuesday, Feb. 22, 2011, will welcome friends Friday, March 4, from 3 to 8 p.m. at the <B>Schellhaas Funeral Home</B>, 5864 Heckert Road, Bakerstown, 724-443-1505. Services will be Saturday, March 5, at 11 a.m. in the First Presbyterian Church of Bakerstown, Route 8 at Heckert Road, Richland Township, with the Rev. Daniel Muttart and the Rev. John McKinsey co-officiating. Interment will follow in the Bakerstown Cemetery.The family suggests donations be made to the Edinboro University Bagpipe Fund, Edinboro Advancement Office, 210 Meadville St., Edinboro, PA 16444 or to the First Presbyterian Church of Bakerstown, P.O. Box 127, Bakerstown, PA 15007.Please pay tribute at www.schellhaasfh.com.