Shirley Mae Simms

A funeral service celebrating the life of Shirley Mae (Hoyt) Simms, age 87, of Newark, will be held at 1:00 p.m. on Monday, September 23, at Criss Wagner Hoskinson Funeral Home with Pastor Moses Hamilton officiating. Burial will take place in Rocky Fork Cemetery.

Friends may call from 2-5 p.m. on Sunday, September 22, at the funeral home, 179 Granville Street in Newark.

Shirley was born May 16, 1937 in Newark, Ohio to the late Dewey and Eva (Grumm) Hoyt. She peacefully passed away on Thursday, September 19, 2024, at The Laurels of Heath.

Shirley graduated from Newark High School in 1955 and the following year married her life partner, William Simms, on October 6, 1956. Shirley then went on to work for Holophane until her retirement in 1995. During her retirement years she, along with her children and husband, opened Sugartree Square where they sold propane, baskets, and gifts. Shirley was an avid crafter, always seeing new things she wanted to rope her husband into trying with her. She also enjoyed traveling, putting many miles on the RV going across the country. One of her favorite things to do in the summertime was to travel across Ohio setting up at different craft fairs, most notably the Hartford Fair where they had a booth under the grandstand for 25 years. She never knew a stranger and welcomed everyone with open arms. All those that knew her recognized that she was an amazing and loving wife, mother, grandmother, great grandmother, and friend. She was so deeply loved by all of those who knew her, and she will be greatly missed.

She is survived by her loving husband of 68 years, William L. Simms, Sr.; a son, William (Teresita) Simms, Jr.; a daughter, Michele “Shelley”; grandchildren, William (Darci) Simms III, Michael “Cody” (Caitlin) Ballinger, Shannon (Alex) Simms, and Meaghan (Michael) Lagace; nine great-granddaughters and two great-grandsons; her cat, Ziggy; and numerous nieces, nephews, and many special friends who turned into family along the way.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by two brothers, Robert (Retha) Hoyt and Paul (Dorthy) Hoyt.

Please refrain from wearing uncomfortable, black clothes as Shirley would want everyone to come comfortable and colorful, just like her.

The family would also like to thank Dr. Andrew Look, nurses, Alan and Maria at Riverside, Mary Ann Township Fire Department, and Britney McConnell and Avery Carmichael at the Laurels for being with her during her final moments.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in Shirley’s honor to the Mary Ann Township Fire Department, 6099 Fallsburg Road, Newark, OH 43055 or to the Licking County Humane Society, 825 Thornwood Drive SW, Heath, OH 43056.

Criss Wagner Hoskinson Funeral Home is honored to care for Shirley and her family.

“You are my sunshine”