Catherine Lou Ellen Simmons

Born Catherine Lou Ellen Jones on January 3, 1945, in San Francisco, she was the daughter of Howard and Theda Jones. Growing up in New Haven, Indiana, she was known for her love of music, having played clarinet in the school band, and twirling baton in her high school marching band.

Cathy graduated from the Lutheran Hospital School of Nursing in 1966 and dedicated her career to the hospital’s Labor and Delivery floor, bringing decades of Fort Wayne’s finest babies into the world.

Outside of work, Cathy was an artistic soul, whether gardening, sewing, crocheting, or quilting. Her greatest joy, however, was her two children, to whom she gave her unconditional love and support.

Cathy’s legacy of love and strength lives on in the numerous lives she touched. She is survived by her son, David (Lydia) Simmons of Acworth, Georgia, and her brother, Howard “Wes” Jones of Fort Wayne. She also leaves behind many loving nieces, nephews, extended family members, and dear friends who will miss her warmth and kindness. She was preceded in death by her parents, Howard and Theda; her sister, Karen (Jones) Beberstein; her companion, William Spindler; and her daughter, Elizabeth Anne.

She was lovingly cared for in her final years by Kristy Niblack; and Darla Buckles.

A celebration of Catherine’s life will be held on Monday, October 26, 2026, at 1:30 pm at D.O. McComb & Sons Covington Knolls Funeral Home, 8325 Covington Road, Fort Wayne (46804). The family will receive friends for visitation beginning at 11:30 am.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial donations be directed to the Fort Wayne Ballet, an organization that was dear to her heart. http://fortwayneballet.org