Micky (Frances Maxine) Simmerman

“Micky” (Frances Maxine) was born to Alfred and Martha Davis on November 28th in Hood River, Oregon. She had joined her older sister, Jaqueline,(Jackie). The two sisters would remain the best of friends throughout their lives. A few years later, the Davis family moved to Portland, where Alfred, “Micky’s” father was one of the earlier pilots of United Airlines. He was unfortunately was killed during a United Airlines plane crash in 1933.

“Micky” moved to Yakima when she was in the seventh grade. She graduated from A. C. Davis High School and 4 years later, graduated from Washington State College (Now Washington State University). She married George Dawson, a college friend, a short time later.

After 3 years of marriage, “Micky’s” first daughter Carol was born. They settled in Winter Haven, FL. where George was a flight instructor for the Air Force and “Micky” began her career as a high school teacher. She had a special love for teaching and her students loved her. “Micky” and George were divorced in 1962.

Moving back to Yakima, “Micky” began her second career with the Department of Social and Health Services. In 1964, she married Dale V. Simmerman and a year later the entire family rejoiced over the birth of “Micky’s” second daughter, Traci. Dale passed away in November of 1989, and after 30 years of working with DSHS, “Micky” retired in the spring of 1990.

“Micky” was preceded in death by her father, Alfred Davis, by her mother Martha Davis, by her sister Jackie Christensen and by her husband Dale.

She is survived by her two daughters, Carol Jorgensen (Husband Brad) and Traci Lust (Husband Ken). She has 4 grandchildren, Delaney, Sam, Katy and Elizabeth, and 4 great grandchildren, Hazel, Anne, Jonathon and Jordin.

“Micky” was blessed by her willingness to listen and her ability to respond with wisdom and insight. She became the friend of many and was always there with an open ear. She was slow to judge, but wasn’t afraid to voice her opinion on any given situation. She was an amazing mentor for her family.

During the last years of her life, Micky was challenged with all the aspects that come with late stage Alzheimer’s disease. We’d like to sincerely thank the staff of the Chesterly Meadows Memory Care Facility. In Lieu of flowers, please make a donation to the Alzheimer’s Association in her name.

A Memorial service will be held at 3:00 p.m. Thursday, February 3, 2011 at the Keith & Keith Terrace Heights Chapel.