Keith Simons

Charles "Keith" Simons was born to the late Porter and Mary Simons, a construction worker and a homemaker, in Dallas, OR on April 3rd, 1944, and moved to Independence, OR. He was molded by their love and hard work. He graduated from Oregon College of Education with a Bachelors of Science and Education and accepted a position as an elementary educator in Soldotna, Alaska, where he would teach for over thirty years and retire. Keith and his wife retired to sunny, Arizona in 2002 to soak up the sun, and travel.

When attending Oregon College of Education, Keith found the love of his life, Carol Neether and married her on September 20th, 1969, and swept her off her feet by singing her "Sunny". During their marriage, Keith came to his faith with the help of his beloved wife and daughter, Kathaleen. Keith was also blessed to have a large family. Keith helped raise his four children with patience, humility, sharing and correcting misbehavior or encouraging it! He taught them how to read, write, ride bikes, kiss away the pain, and provided advantages across The United States and abroad.

Keith was an educator and a wonderful man. Keith had the ability to really listen and be present during every conversation, for his family, friends, and students, he would give all. He was given the teacher of the year for the Kenia Borough School District. He will be deeply missed by his loved ones.

Keith is survived by his wife, Carol, his three daughters, Kathaleen O'Dell, Cynthia Simons, and Amy Latham, his son Ryan Simons, his grandchildren Elizabeth Laws, Keira O'Dell, Ashten Latham, Shylo Latham, Maleah Knight, Admira Knight, Katerina Simons, Allison Latham, Eleazar Knight, and Josephine Latham and his brother Robert Simons. He is preceded in death by his sisters Shirley Howe, Mary Hargraves and Betty Jo Spence and brothers Norman "Terry" Simons, David Simons, Jimmy Simons, Steven Simons, and his parents.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.mariposagardens.com for the Simons family.