Bertha A. Simmons, 88, of Sheridan, passed away on Friday, March 11, 2011 at Sheridan Manor.

Bertha was born on January 1, 1923 in Kooi, WY to Eva (Chieslar) and Paul P. Washut. She grew up in Monarch.

On August 13, 1946 she married Donald E. Simmons in Hardin, Mt.

Bertha served in the U.S. Navy during WWII serving in Bethesda, MD as a Pharmacist’s Mate third class. After service she then worked as a Lab Technician and then a cook in the School system, Eaton’s Ranch and Brown Drug.

Bertha enjoyed dancing, singing, baking, decorating cakes, playing horse shoes, reading, traveling, her dogs, and she made a wonderful Warzonk’a.

She loved her grandkids very much.

Bertha was a member of the Trinity Lutheran Church.

Bertha was preceded in death by her husband, parents, sister; Nina Ballek, brothers; "Henry" Washut, Robert Washut, and Louis Washut.

She is survived by her children; Richard (Irene) Simmons of Berlin, Germany, Donna Loescher of Sheridan, Carol (Larry) Thomas of Rapid City, SD, Curt (Cindy) Simmons of Phoenix, AZ and Dewey Simmons of Sheridan. Her sisters; Emma Adsamit and Ida Cichonski of Sheridan, brothers; Art Washut of Sheridan and Richard Washut of Wenatchi, WA. Along with eight grandchildren and four great-grandchildren.

Cremation has taken place and a private family gathering will be held at a later date.

Memorials to honor Bertha may be made to the Dog and Cat Shelter, 84 East Ridge Road, Sheridan, WY 82801.

Online condolences may be written at www.kanefuneral.com.

Kane Funeral Home has been entrusted with the arrangements.

The Sheridan Press - Mar. 15, 2011.