Life as remembered by Shirley Anne Rappoldt
Born May 25, 1928—the 7th child of George and Ida Rappoldt.
Ida was in the hospital being treated for malnutrition and a back injury, when she felt an urge to go to the loo. That happened to be the exact time I felt an urge to head for her exit. The nurse scolded, my mother cried, I emerged with a clubfoot. By God’s grace, Dr. Witcomb Riley had begun experimenting with surgical correction. Many procedures would follow. Dr. Riley would open the foot, twist, bandage, then apply a cast. At age 3 I got shoes with braces to my knees. After the braces there were 2 left shoes. Children were cruel, they laughed, but I was proud of my first brograns. I was even more proud of the shiney black leather low-cuts I got at age 11. Broken arms, whooping cough, a torn bronchial tube and long stays at TB sanatoriums would follow. Still I found many adventures. My daughter says these experiences made me scrappy. It also taught me that laughter really is the best medicine.
Mrs. Simmons passed peacefully on the morning of Feb. 1, 2022. She is survived by one daughter, Patti Holland, two sons Joe and Bobby Simmons and a myriad of bonus children, plus 11 grandchildren, 13 great-grandchildren, 2 great-great-grandchildren, 2 sister-in-laws, 7 nieces, 3 nephews She is preceded in death by husbands: Thomas Simmons, Harold Holland son: Copper Simmon 3 brothers, 4 sisters father and mother
She was a member of the Huntland Church of Christ and the Winchester Church of Christ.
Obituary submitted by loving daughter, Patti Holland.
Visitation will be held on Friday Feb. 11, 2022 from 2:00-2:30 at Huntland Church of Christ. A Celebration of Life will begin at 2;30.
