Rita G. Simmons

Beloved wife and mother, Rita G. (Westbrook) Simmons left this world on January 12, 2024 in Burleson, Texas. She was born on January 11, 1952, and grew up in Jonesboro, Arkansas. Rita graduated from Jonesboro High School in 1970 and attended Arkansas State University. She was married to James E. Simmons on December 11, 1971.

Following her husband's commissioning in 1974, they moved to Fort Bliss, Texas where their son, James Franklin was born. As an Army wife, Rita moved frequently around the country and overseas, joining her husband in remote places like Alaska, Germany and South Korea. After retiring, Rita moved back to Texas to be closer to her son and his family.

Rita was an active Army Wife. She received two awards of The Yellow Rose of Texas from the State of Texas, along with several Commanders Awards for her service to the Army Communities she lived in. She was an artist and decorator that took every move as a challenge to transform Army quarters into a home.

She leaves to cherish her memories, husband Major General James E. Simmons, her son James Franklin Simmons, his wife Michele, four grandchildren, survives her: James, Miles, Matilda, and Magnus, and her sister Mary Jane Shierloh.