Catherine “Cathy” Marie DeGarmo Simons

Passed Away on March 18, 2019

Catherine “Cathy” Marie DeGarmo Simons of Charlotte, North Carolina passed away peacefully at Hospice of the Valley in Tempe, Arizona
during the late afternoon of March 18, 2019 at the age of 66. She was born on August 11, 1952 in Canaan, West Virginia to Herbert “Herb” and Madalene Anita DeGarmo.

Cathy was the third of ten children and second daughter, five girls and five boys. Her childhood days were full of adventure and responsibility on the family farm.  Her love for nature, gardening and flowers continued with her into adulthood and throughout her life.  She graduated from Buckhannon Upshur High School in 1970.  After graduation she attended Glenville State College in Glenville, West Virginia before transferring to Marshall University in Huntington, West Virginia.  She received her Bachelor of Science in Business Administration and began working for a local bank in her home town soon thereafter.

Cathy married former husband Dirk Simons in the Washington, D.C. Temple on January 15, 1977. They raised their seven children in Charlotte, NC: Tiffany (Scott “Skeet”) Scienski, Tyler (Ashley), Tarrah (Bobbi) Brock, Amber (Warren) Smith, Cory (Celeste), Cameron, and Carissa (Zach) Madel.  Her children were consistently encouraged by her soft yet influential voice.  She had a quiet dignity that was beautiful to all that knew her.  She loved all genres of music, dance and baking homemade pies.  She was resourceful and creative.  She was a dedicated disciple of Christ and especially loved being part of the Relief Society Organization and a Visiting Teacher in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.  She left her mark on the hearts of many life-long friends/family with her deep testimony of Jesus Christ.   Her family is grateful for her example of faith and devotion and knows their family relationships will extend into the eternities.

Cathy was preceded in death by her parents, brother Mike, sister Sue Boyles, and grandson, Wyatt Smith. She is greatly missed by her seven children, 13 grandchildren, brother Jim (Tina), Edward “Ed” (Carla), John, Skip and sisters Barbie (Nahim) Alherimi, Sharon, and Sandy (Ron) Williams.