- Date Of Birth: January 4, 1923
- Date Of Death: March 20, 2022
- State: Michigan
Jeannette Simkins passed away Sunday March 20, 2022, at Wings of Hope hospice in Allegan, MI. She was born January 4, 1923, in Kalamazoo, MI, daughter of the late Marinus and Gertrude (Scholten) Weststrate and had been a lifelong resident of Southwest Michigan, living in the Plainwell area for the last forty years.
On November 8, 1947, Jeannette married Ivan Simkins who preceded her in death on July 19, 1993. Also preceding her in death were her son John H. (Butch) Simkins, sisters Marie Snell, Helena Weststrate, and Lena VanOosterum, brothers Gerard (Gare), Willem (Bill), Jan (Johnny), Hendrik (Henry), Johannus (John) and Adrian (Bud).
Jeannette was known for her sharp memory and strong determination. Her most beloved memories were of spending time with family and travelling with her husband Ivan, including a trip to the Netherlands in 1968, visiting the family cabin in Newaygo, celebrating their 25th anniversary in Hawaii, and post-retirement travel in their RV to Alaska, Florida, Texas, Arizona, and Mexico. Later in life, she found enjoyment with jigsaw puzzles, playing cards with friends, and watching hummingbirds feed on her apartment deck.
Surviving are her daughter Dixie (Alan) Gates, daughter-in-law Karen Simkins, grandchildren Ivan (Trina) Simkins and Kevin Simkins, great-grandchildren Matthew (Jackie) Simkins, Brittany (Seth) Brooks, Maegan Simkins, Kayli Simkins and Johnathan Simkins, great-great-grandchildren Kenslee Simkins and Carlin Simkins, sisters-in-law Florene Weststrate and Frances Weststrate and several nieces and nephews.
