Carolyn Ann (Schoech) Simmons, 82-year-old Vinita resident, passed away Saturday, September 12, 2020 at the St. Francis Hospital in Tulsa. She was born on October 11, 1937 in Vinita to Norbert August Schoech and Ladema L. (Devore) Schoech. Carolyn graduated from Vinita High School and later became a registered nurse. She worked for Eastern State Hospital, Taylor Hospital for several years, then for the Oklahoma Department of Health, serving Craig, Ottawa, and Delaware Counties, retiring in 1999. Carolyn married Walter J. Simmons in February of 1974 in Vinita. They had a very wonderful life together for over 46 years. She was a 58-year member of the Epsilon Sigma Alpha Sorority, Alpha Sigma Chapter in Vinita. Carolyn volunteered at Eastern Trails Museum in Vinita after she retired from the State Health Department. She had also served as nurse and scout leader for the local Girl Scouts. Carolyn loved and took care of her family, she was the one all depended on, she will be greatly missed.
She was preceded in death by her parents, stepdaughter, Teresa Lynn Collins, and a special nephew, Beau Schoech.
The family includes her husband Walter J. Simmons of the home; a brother, Buddy Schoech of Vinita; sister in-law Patty Scheoch of Vinita; three step-children, Julie Kay Simmons of Houston, Kimberly J. Simmons of Pawnee, Debbie M. Marcell of Houston; uncle, Hugh Devore of Stillwater; nephew Bradley Patrick Schoech of Vinita; great niece and nephew, Claira and Cole Schoech.
The family will receive friends from 5-7 p.m. on Thursday, September 17, 2020 at the Burckhalter-Highsmith Chapel in Vinita.
The graveside service will be held at 3:00 p.m. Friday, September 18, 2020 at the Fairview Cemetery in Vinita, with Pastor Skip McClain officiating. Online condolences may be made at www.highsmithfh.com or on the funeral home Facebook page. Arrangements are under the care of the Burckhalter-Highsmith Funeral and Cremation Service of Vinita.