Betty Ardell Simpkins, 101, of Barboursville, went to be with the Lord July 16, 2026, surrounded by her loving family.
Betty was born September 9, 1924 in Fremont, Indiana, a daughter of the late George Ronald and Bernice Walter Deller.
Betty was preceded in death by her husband, Thomas Bruckse Sr.; one daughter, Collean Leviton; two sons, Thomas Bruckse Jr. and Joseph Bruckse; brother, Robert and sisters, Patricia, Katherine, Georgene, Geraldine and Bonnie; and second husband, Ray Simpkins.
Betty is survived by daughters, Karen Hale (Gary) of WV and Laura Bradley of KY; one son, Matthew Bruckse (Penny) of TN; one sister, Helen Gerst of IN; Ray's children, Mike Simpkins (Stephanie) of TN, Patti Hicks of WV, and Jeff Simpkins of OH; and grandchildren, Lynn Burley (George), Michael Dunham (Lisa), Nicole Hale, Aaron Hale (Tiffany), Emily Adkins (Mick), Natalie Davis, Sarah Bradley (Tony), Nicholas Bradley, Catherine Adkins (Derrick), Meghan Bury (Ben) and Andrew Bruckse; great-grandchildren, Joy, Gail, and Elijah; Ethan, Brody, and Henley; Isabel, Waylon and Emery; and great-great-grandchildren, Grayson and Juliette; and Ray's grandchildren, Patricia Campbell (Bryan), Elizabeth Simpkins (Kelley), Jennifer Ryan (Jon), Karen McConkey (Lee); and Kate Simpkins; and great grandchildren, Lincoln, Miller, Grayson, Elizabeth, Nola, and Eleanor.
Betty had a lifelong love of books and learning, which she indulged until she was unable, around age 100. But one of her greatest passions was her love for all animals, particularly horses, which she was able to enjoy until she was 75. Betty played the mellophone in high school and she loved music and she did a brief stent as Rosie the Riveter during World War II when she was in her 20s.
Although Betty did work outside of the home throughout her life, she would call her family her crowning achievement. She loved every child and grandchild and was eager to watch them grow up and make their way in the world, whether it was through education, a particular career path, or raising another generation of children. She found much joy in asking many questions, occasionally giving advice and otherwise living vicariously through every generation.
Memorial Mass will be conducted at 11 a.m. Saturday, July 25, 2026 at St. Stephen Catholic Church, Ona, by Father Bill Matheny. Wallace Funeral Home, Barboursville, is assisting the family. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Wounded Warrior Project or to Hospice of Huntington. Online condolences may be expressed to the family at www.timeformemory.com/wallace.
