Ruthanne S. Pitts

Ruthanne Simmons Pitts was born in Florence, Arizona, on 27 April, 1949. She was the granddaughter of Arizona homesteaders, and the daughter of Bob Grady Simmons and Naomi Ruth Nichols Simmons. Early in her childhood, the family moved to Casa Grande, Arizona, where she spent her formative years.

Ruthanne attended both Arizona State University and the University of Arizona, receiving a Masters Degree in English from ASU and was a PhD candidate at the U of A. She started her adult life as an educator, teaching English from 8th grade through university freshmen. She eventually acted on her desire to be an entrepreneur.

Following years of working with her brother in a successful office supply business, she struck out on her own. Ruthanne opened Simmons Contract Furnishings, a commercial office furniture dealership, in June of 1994. She grew the business from a 1 person company that year to a multi-million dollar corporation with 25 employees in 5 states over the next several years.

Ruthanne lived life with purpose, class, and passion. Those who were fortunate enough to call her friend will miss her smile, her genuine compassion, and her love of life.

Ruthanne’s passions included: all of the children in her life – her 3 step-sons, her 4 grandchildren, her nieces and nephews, her brother’s grandchildren, her cousins and their families, and the yearly family reunion; Pinetop, Arizona – the mountains, the wildlife, the weather, and the people; girls’ night out and her close circle of friends; her Air Force family where she was Honorary Commander at AMARG; the animals that frequented the house; Alaska – her favorite vacation spot; the farm in Alabama; sewing; bridge; and biking with her lady friends.

Following a tragic accident, Ruthanne died peacefully on October 22nd, 2014. She was preceded in death by her father, mother, and brother Mark. She is survived by her brothers Bob and Tom Simmons and their families, her step-sons Michael, Jeremy, and Andy Pitts and their families, and her husband Bill Pitts.

A celebration of Ruthanne’s life will be held at Loews Ventana Canyon Resort on the 8th of November at 4 pm, with a reception to follow.

The family has requested that in lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Brain Injury Alliance of Arizona, 5025 E. Washington Street, Suite 108, Phoenix, AZ 85034. Please add that your donation is in loving memory of Ruthanne Pitts.

Arrangements under the direction of East Lawn Palms Mortuary, Tucson, AZ.